Caecillian’s first woman on site
It’s no secret that the utilities sector is a male-dominated industry. At Caecillian, we’re constantly working to improve ourselves as an equal opportunities company that not only accepts but encourages diversity in the workplace.
To help us understand this lack of imbalance further, we spoke to our civils operative Becky Slater, to discuss her experience at Caecillian and within the utilities industry. Becky had heard she is the first woman to work on Wastewater civils in Yorkshire in 15 years, whilst we’re extremely proud to have been able to play a part in bringing a woman to this area, it really does highlight the issue.
Here’s what Becky had to say…
Q: What made you want to get into the Utilities industry?
A: I started off as a teacher in a primary school, teaching the year ones, but I just wanted to get outside instead of being stuck in working all day. My dad, uncle and brother all work in the utilities industry and are always out and about. So I thought I would give it a try too.
Q: How do you find it being a woman in a male-dominated industry?
A: I really enjoy my job. The time goes so quickly as we’re so busy working away each day.
I personally haven’t found any issues working within the industry as a woman. The team is great with me, they all treat me like the daughter of the group. If I go into the yard on my own, they’ll run over and help. But they always ask first whether I need the help, leave me alone if I don’t, or help me when needed.
I have been able to get lots of training under my belt whilst working at Caecillian, now having completed my confined spaces, plant and vehicle movement, deep excavation, first aid, dumper ticket and abrasive wheels training.
Q: What are the biggest challenges and setbacks you’ve faced?
A: Some of the role can be customer-focused, when speaking to local homeowners about the work we are doing in the area. I suffer from anxiety and at first this made me feel uncomfortable. I also really struggled to start the Sthil Saw when I started but I have now mastered this too.
But with the training I’ve received, practice and support from the team, I have really grown in confidence and have been able to overcome these.
Q: What do your friends and family think about you working in this industry?
A: My Mum says that she hates it because now she has to clean all of our clothes after work, including my Dad and Brother’s. But she is so proud that I have done it because a lot of people thought I was silly to go into it, thinking I wouldn’t be able to carry out the work and wouldn’t last long. But I have.
Q: Do you have any advice for any women or young people like yourself wanting to join the industry?
A: Just don’t let anyone put you down or tell you that you can’t do it. If you put your mind to it, you can most definitely do it. So just go for it. I already have helped a friend of mine who wanted to join but wasn’t sure, he’s now doing great!
Q: How do you find it working at Caecillian?
A: It’s the best job I’ve had, I wouldn’t change it for anything else. The only issue I faced was not having the right size PPE, because the men didn’t need a small size. But this has been sorted now!
Q: What are the next steps for you?
A: Now I have a year’s experience and have completed all the training I needed, I would like to work up to a supervisor role, take more responsibility and move up within the organisation.
If you’re interested in joining the team, we’re always looking for new people to join and develop with us. Check out our current vacancies or send us your CV here.
