For as long as she can remember, Honey Jenkins wanted to be a builder. She is now laying the foundations for a new generation of young women to work in a more inclusive and diverse construction industry.

Diagnosed with autism and dyslexia, Honey was told many times that she could not be a bricklayer but it only made her more determined to succeed.

Having initially completed the Level 2 Foundation Apprenticeship in Construction Skills, Honey went on to achieve her Level 3 Apprenticeship in Bricklaying.

Beyond her core academic requirements, she proactively completed additional training in working at heights, manual handling and abrasive wheels, equipping herself with the robust health and safety credentials necessary to excel on a construction site. She completed her final year while pregnant with her first child.

She has become an ambassador, sharing her story through radio interviews and International Women’s Day events to prove that women can thrive in construction and also empowering the next generation to join the profession.

“I have organised and delivered many school events with practical workshops,”

said Honey, who will embrace a new challenge with a local builder following her maternity leave.

“I have spoken to the school children about being able to achieve their goals, even if people tell them that they cannot do what they want to do. I am living proof of this.

“I was inspired to work in the construction industry by my dad, who worked as a handyman, but I faced so many obstacles and negativity along the way. My mum has

been a huge support and the apprenticeship and the mentoring that I received at college made me realise what I could achieve. Now, the sky is the limit.”

Practical skills were honed under the expert guidance of college lecturers and an Apprentice Master at Taylor Wimpey, before Honey joined a supportive bricklaying team.

It was Honey’s willingness to go the extra mile that stood out to her tutors.

“We are incredibly proud and privileged to have supported Honey throughout this journey,” said Denise Brookes-Cooze, Head of Work Based Learning, Bridgend College. “She is remarkable; the kind of apprentice who doesn’t just master her trade but actively drives cultural change for women in construction.”