Published at 15:55, Wednesday, 07 May 2008

MANDY Steel has become the first female painter and decorator at a west Cumbrian college.

First lady: Mandy Steel flanked by tutors Lynne Herbert and Andrea Bowes

Mandy, 17, is the first Construction Skills sponsored student at Lakes College West Cumbria, in Lillyhall.

She has been at the college since September and said she is looking forward to completing her two-year course.

Mandy, who went to Ehenside School, first became interested in painting and decorating when she carried out work experience at Works 4 You in Cleator Moor. Her spell at the company was so successful she was approached by her bosses who offered her a job.

She receives practical skills at college one day a week and spends the rest of the time at Works 4 You. She is taught by Andrea Bowes and Lynne Herbert, who have many years of experience working in a male-orientated environment.

Mandy, from Asby, said: “I’m the first female in the painting and decorating department at work. I work with all lads and come to college where all my classmates are male, too.

“Andrea and Lynne are great role models, and keep the lads in line. I get on and have a laugh with the lads at college, but I am no push over, I can hold my own.”

Andrea said: “I am very proud and pleased to see our first female Construction Skills painting and decorating apprentice.

“I have been teaching for 10 years, and initially I may have been treated as a bit of a novelty, but by showing employers and students that I have got the skills and the knowledge I have gained respect and slowly perceptions have been changing and Mandy is a good example of that.

“Women are just as good as men in construction roles and often they have an advantage as customers feel more comfortable dealing with women.”

Published by http://www.whitehaven-news.co.uk