Mandy Ainsworth, Linda McDonald and Sharon Hesketh have all recently joined Jackson Lloyd’s Manchester office.

Mandy became the only woman on her NVQ Level Two plumbing course at Salford College after deciding to follow in her father’s footsteps. “My dad, Arthur Wilson, is a plumber and he thinks it is excellent,” she said. “He’s got five sons and me and I am the only plumber.”

Linda and Sharon signed up for a plastering training course at Rochdale’s Building Trades Agency two-and-a-half years ago.

Linda has had the full backing of the family for her career change. “They were a bit shocked at first but they are all behind me 100%,” she said.

 “It has been hard getting through to the men that you can plaster, but I love it,” she added. “They have been very welcoming and really nice and helpful.”

Jackson Lloyd’s Commercial Director and Women’s Ambassador, Jane Spellacy is delighted with the new recruits. “We are aware that there are some very talented women out there who may not traditionally consider joining a building firm,” she said. “We want to give them the same opportunity to become part of our team as any male candidate. Hopefully Mandy, Linda and Sharon will be the first of many.”