Local trainee electrician, Chantelle Browne knows the true meaning of girl power, having just returned from Westminster in a brand new role as apprentice ambassador!
One of only 14 females in the country to be selected, Thetford-born Chantelle is currently in her second year of her apprenticeship with Landmarc Support Services (Landmarc). She was chosen from a ream of national apprentices, marked in a prestigious ceremony held in the Capital on the 11th February and attended by ministers and industry leaders.
The initiative was set up by training provider JTL, and is designed to increase the number of females entering into building services’ engineering apprenticeships.
Chantelle said:
“After leaving school I had no idea what I wanted to do. When I saw an advertisement for an electrical apprentice, I applied thinking that I would have zero chance of even an interview. I was 22, female and had no college qualifications – but here I am, and now I’ve been put forward as an ambassador.
“I genuinely look forward to going to work every day. Working for Landmarc, which supports the MoD training estate in the region, means I don’t only carry out normal electrical installations but I also get to work on more unique projects, such as targetry systems.
“Being chosen to help inspire other young people is a huge privilege. I’m looking forward to being able to promote apprenticeships to women and showing them that a career in a technical or trade environment can be really rewarding.”
Shaun Porter, support and planning manager in the east of England for Landmarc and mentor for Chantelle, said:
“We’re really pleased that Chantelle has been chosen. It’s a fantastic opportunity for her and we’re proud to be able to support her.
“Chantelle’s new ambassador role is key in helping to break down barriers to recruitment and Landmarc is behind her every step of the way.”
The aim of the JTL Ambassador programme is to encourage girls still at school, as well as other young women, to make informed decisions about their first major career and encourage apprenticeships in the building services arena.
Gail Cartmail, Asst General Secretary of Unite the Union; Ambassador Chantelle Browne; Chantelle’s mentor Shaun Porter, Landmarc; Yasmin Damree-Ralph, Equality & Diversity Officer, JTL; Dr Ian Livsey, Chairman of JTL