A Cheshire mum who traded in her office manager job to become a qualified electrician has claimed a top prize at the national Women In Construction Awards.
Lisa McKenna was recognised at the awards as the Best Apprentice and New Starter Over 25, after retraining as an electrician after going through a divorce 10 years ago.
The Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News reported that the 40-year-old mum of three spent two years out of work after her divorce, in order to look after her three children. When it came to getting back to work, however, Lisa opted for a change of direction and, after some college training, secured an apprenticeship with Halton Housing Trust.
Noel Sharpe, of Halton Housing Trust, said that Lisa was a credit to them and an example to other women considering careers in construction.
“She has worked so hard to get where she is and she’s a shining example to other women,” he said. “She is a great asset to our team and other females in the industry.”
Lisa said that her success has shown that women can easily shape their own careers with the right amount of determination.
“It doesn’t matter what background or circumstances you are in because anything can be achieved if you put your mind to it,” she said. “I’d thoroughly recommend apprenticeships to anyone, at any age.”