A teenager from Bexley has won the ‘Best apprentice within Berkeley Group’ and vowed to encourage more young women into construction.

Ruby Lee, 19, was thrilled to have won the award at the 2018 Berkeley Group Apprentice Awards.

She said: “I really hope that by winning this award it can inspire other women to look at having a career in the construction industry, like I have done.”

Ruby did not plan to go into construction as she thought it was a profession only for men, but her mind changed after attending a careers event at Bexley Council offices.

Ruby was invited to do work experience at Berkeley Homes East Thames where she shadowed site managers and project managers.

“I can honestly say after I completed the work experience on the Berkeley Homes sites shadowing different managers in different roles I knew construction was the industry for me,” Ruby said.

Rob Perrins, Berkley Group chief executive, mentioned how important it was to recognise the exceptional talent entering the construction industry.

He said: “These awards are a celebration of great vocational training and a chance to reward the hidden heroes who are taking the lead on construction skills.”

Ruby plans to finish her HNC in construction and built environment which would allow her to progress further in her managerial career.

“However, I would strongly advise any women to research into the role you are interested in and apply yourself, as you can achieve anything,” she added.

Ruby is a trainee site manager with Berkeley Homes and is based at Kidbrooke Village.