Abigail gets stuck in

Abigail Hoe is 16 and from Hull. She went to Archbishop Sentamu Academy, where her favourite subject was Motor Vehicle Mechanics. Her school year was a class of Covid, but she did well in her GCSEs and always had a good idea of what she wanted to do for a career. She makes a fantastic addition to the KWL Electrical team.

Abigail explains:

“While I was at school I never felt that the mechanics and trades apprenticeships were just jobs for the boys, this is what I’ve always been interested in. It’s good that KWL is encouraging young women like me into the trades. There is so much to choose from it’s hard to decide. I can recommend it though, I’m really enjoying my job and the people I work with.

“KWL has a really good reputation as an employer. My parents encouraged me to apply for an apprenticeship. I didn’t really get much guidance from school.

“I’ve always helped my Dad around the house, decorating and doing jobs. We’re laying paving stones at home right now. My Dad loves having me around to help and I really enjoy it.

“I am enjoying this job right now and look forward to becoming qualified to see what the future holds in domestic electrical.”

This is Abigail’s first year of her Apprenticeship and aged 16 she is excited about her birthday in July, when she can start driving lessons.

“I can’t wait until I can drive. I love the little sporty cars; Ford Focus and Fiestas. When I pass my test I’m going to have a full body kit on mine, so when you see a little grey and orange car with a loud exhaust, it will be me.”

At KWL Abigail has been getting really good feedback. She is working with one of our Electricians, Liam Stannard who works on the heating installations for tenanted properties in Hull. He is supporting Abigail with her on-the-job training and is pleased with her progress.

Liam says: “It’s great having enthusiastic people to work with, Abigail makes a great Apprentice. I’ve only been working with her for a month but she’s really hard working and seems to really enjoy the job.”

KWL actively seeks to close the gender gap in construction. In the UK, women make up only 11% of the total workforce. Within the 2021 Apprentice intake at KWL, out of 10 young people, 2 were female. Abigail as an Apprentice Electrician and another female school-leaver is an Apprentice Plumber.