The construction industry has always been dominated by men, but a Barnet mother-of-four is determined not to let that hold her back. Dina Rickman talks to trainee electrician Heather Hurloll about her new vocation Three years ago single mother Heather Hurloll could barely wire a plug — now she can rewire an entire house.

The 44-year-old, of Fordham Close, Barnet, is one of the first women to take on a work placement as a trainee electrician with housing organisation Barnet Homes.

She was offered the opportunity as part of the organisation’s Construction Training Initiative (CTI), after completing an electrics installation course at Southgate College.

The scheme provides work placements for one or two years in the construction industry for residents living in properties managed by the company, which is in charge of Barnet Council’s housing stock.

The single mother-of-three admits returning to college was a daunting prospect but says the hard work has all been worthwhile.

She said: “I was scared of the maths and science as it’s been a long time since I was in school. Although it was never my ambition to be an electrician, I wanted to study a trade so I could support my children after the breakdown of my marriage. I worked hard, learning everything from scratch to get my grades and then I got this brilliant offer from Barnet Homes.

“After I finished the course I had no practical experience to help me break into the industry. The CTI really gave me the opportunity to gain relevant experience by applying the skills I’ve learnt in college. This has really built up my confidence.”

Now in its second year, CTI gives people who have learned trades such as electrics, plumbing, painting and decorating, and carpentry the opportunity to get a foot in the door of their industries. It aims to improve the quality of life of residents beyond providing housing, by helping them to find sustainable employment.

All sub-contractors working for Barnet Homes have signed up to the scheme and agreed to run the apprenticeships.

Ms Hurloll is working for Advanced Electrics, based in Golders Green, and travels around Barnet borough rewiring houses.

Despite being the only female electrician in her new work place, and the only woman on her course, the apprentice is unfazed.

“Being the only woman is not difficult,” she said. “I’m pleased to say I’ve only had positive experiences. All the men have been really helpful and happy to see a woman here. I think it’s good for women to do this type of work — we’re just as capable as men and my story proves you can do it at any age. I’ve loved it, it’s fantastic to see all my hard work beginning to pay off.”

However, juggling a full- time job with raising three children, aged 13, 16 and 18, has not always been easy.

“Before this I had done only part-time jobs and had mostly concentrated on being a full-time mother,” she added. “When I started my apprenticeship, I was working full time and still being a full-time mother. It was exhausting but it was just a case of getting organised.

“My children are so proud of me. I’m showing them you can achieve anything if you put your mind to it. I feel immensely grateful to Barnet Homes.”

After completing her work placement Ms Hurloll aims to do further training to become an electrical tester and inspector, and eventually set up a family business with her two eldest sons who, inspired by her example, are training to be plumbers.

Barnet Homes offers residents free training in a range of areas, including computer skills, English as a second language or CV writing and interview skills.

A Barnet Homes spokeswoman said: “We provide free training for our residents, and the CTI is just the icing on the cake. Heather is an amazing lady, and we’re happy to have helped her.”

Two applicants are taken on each year for the CTI scheme. Anyone interested in applying can call 020 8357 5678.