As a large-scale employer, we take on two cohorts of apprentices each year, and 2022 is no different. Welcoming 14 new trade apprentices to the team, we’re thrilled that four of the new recruits are women; Summer, Vicky, Lisa and Ashley, each with an eagerness to learn and get their career underway.

Dedicated to creating sustainable employment opportunities for women in the industry, the team supports Torus Foundation’s employment and training sessions. Created specifically to give women an insight into different trades and career opportunities at HMS and in the wider construction sector, the Foundation’s Women in Construction and Women in Civil Engineering have been incredibly successful in introducing women across Liverpool, St Helens and Warrington to the industry.

Since launch, Torus Foundation’s Women in Construction programme has seen over 80 women attend. Acting as a gateway to employment, 40 women have started apprenticeships or been employed – many with HMS directly – with Vicky Campbell and Ashley Powell becoming the latest Women in Construction graduates to gain an apprenticeship, with both ladies undertaking a trade apprenticeship seeing Vicky training as a Joiner and Ashley as a Plasterer.

Discussing her new apprenticeship, Vicky said: “I’m delighted to have gotten an apprenticeship with HMS. When I started Women in Construction with Torus Foundation, I never thought it would lead anywhere in particular, but here I am!

“Even though I have just started my apprenticeship, I’m really enjoying learning new skills and getting to try new things. The team have been great in showing me the ropes and I’m looking forward to seeing what the next 3 years has in store and qualifying as an Apprentice Joiner.”

Continuing, Paul Worthington, Managing Director at HMS, commented: “Encouraging women to pursue trades as a legitimate career choice has been something we have been passionate about since opening as a business in 2011 and it’s fantastic to see even more women join our ranks.

“It’s great to see the real-world impacts Women in Construction has on participants and I’m excited to see Vicky and Ashley’s journey come full circle as they start their apprenticeships. Seeing people make the most of the opportunities available to them is why we do what we do, and I am already looking forward to seeing who takes part in our next Women in Construction and Women in Civil Engineering programmes and welcoming even more talented apprentices to HMS.”

Dan Bamford, Head of Employment and Skills, at Torus Foundation explains, “For those enrolled as an apprentice for HMS, the partnership with the Foundation is key. By working together, the team's co-ordinate the programme to a high standard and provide vital mentoring support, maximising impact and outcomes for each apprentice.

“We’re thrilled to see that some of the successful apprentices include some of the participants who have completed the Foundation’s training programmes such as Women in Construction and Women in Civil Engineering, and that HMS is able to provide an opportunity for their learning and hands on experience to continue growing.”

A committed advocate for women in the industry, HMS is levelling up its commitment to women in its local communities and will continue to host Women in Construction programmes throughout the year. For more information about how to get involved, please contact employment@torusfoundation.co.uk quoting ‘Women in Construction’.

Applications for HMS’ latest apprenticeship programme is now open. To find out more and apply, please click here.