Jones Bros’ Rayhanneh grateful for opportunity to inspire the next generation17th Mar 2022

Rayhanneh Saboonpaz was thrilled to be able to lift the lid on life working at Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK as part of a Women in Construction and Engineering event.

Around 75 schoolgirls from eight schools attended the event held at Coleg Cambria’s Bersham Road site in Wrexham, which featured leading names from both construction and engineering.

All secondary schools in north east Wales were invited to join a day of workshops, seminars, and industry-related practical activities ahead of International Women’s Day.

“I had a direct conversation with around 30 to 40 females, and it was a really enjoyable experience,” said Jones Bros quality manager Rayhanneh.

“It was fantastic to discuss any pre-conceived ideas around working in construction and engineering, which is not all about digging and labouring; there are a lot of other skills involved that aren’t always obvious when you walk past a site.

“The girls were so interested in the world of construction and engineering, and I was able to give them an insight into what work is out there.”

Rayhanneh had set her sights on biomedicine when she was approaching the end of her school years, but now she is a recently promoted quality manager after joining Jones Bros as an environmental advisor in 2019.

She continued: “This job isn’t what I thought I would be doing when I was in year 10 at school, so it was important for me to tell the girls that and to let them know about the many career paths and opportunities available.

“One girl told me she wanted to do something with art and design and there are a lot of jobs in construction that need that subject.

“There was nothing like this for apprenticeships when I was in school, and it was superb to be able to help inspire the next generation.”

Karl Jackson, assistant principal for the Institute of Technology and site lead at Bersham Road, was happy with how the event went, and thanks Jones Bros for its involvement.

“We have a really good partnership with Jones Bros,” said Karl. “It was fantastic to see them at the event along with several influential companies in construction and engineering.”

On the event, which was almost exclusively attended by women aside from a handful of male lecturers, Karl added: “The feedback we have had has been excellent.

“To see the enthusiasm of the women that were in attendance was great and it is wonderful to be able to play a part in helping remove the barriers for women in construction and engineering.”

Established in the 1950s, Jones Bros owns one of the largest plant fleets in the UK and employs approximately 500 people.

The company is currently working on contracts in various sectors including highways, flood and marine defence, waste management and renewable energy around the UK.

The company runs an award-winning apprenticeship scheme, which has produced nearly 50 per cent of its current workforce, with many of its senior managers having started out as apprentices or in a trainee role. It has recruited more than 100 apprentices during the past three years.

To apply, click here https://jonesbrosweeklypaidjobs.livevacancies.co.uk/#/job/details/3