A Bexley woman who was told to work in childcare instead of woodwork has spoken out in light of international women’s day.

Tracie Goldsmith, 47, who spent years taking sick days to avoid her office job, has decided to take on gender barriers by pursuing her dream career in maintenance.

Tracie, who is an L&Q resident, went to speak to an employment support team member for help getting back into work, where she first heard about the multi-trade apprenticeship.

The apprenticeship includes a range of roles such as plumbing, carpentry, decorating, plastering, fire stopping and tiling.

Tracie Goldsmith said: “I have always been interested in this sort of thing, but I couldn’t do it when I first left school because I was told it was not a woman’s job.

“I couldn’t then do it later because it would have meant being at college full time.

“I was caring for my mum and nan for four or five years so after that I was trying to get back into office work, which I didn’t enjoy.”

“At school, they told me I had to do childcare, cookery or needlework.

“I wasn’t allowed to do woodwork or metalwork.

“I’ve had the odd guy in the past say that they didn’t think women should be in this business, but most accept me.

“My advice to other women who want to work in construction is to just go for it.

“The key to life is getting paid to do something you enjoy.

"It’s not as hard as people think."

To find out more about L&Q apprenticeships visit at: https://www.lqgroup.org.uk/about/landq-foundation/landq-academy/apprenticeships-at-landq/