Women in Construction Week 2023
Many Paths, One Mission: Karolina’s Story
Women in Construction Week is into its 25th year!
Started in 1998 by the National Association of Women in Construction, it is a week dedicated to celebrating and promoting the role of women in the construction industry.
This year, the theme is about celebrating the different journeys that women have taken towards the same goal, and in doing so, strengthening and exemplifying their achievements.
Meet Karolina
Having grown up in Wroclaw, Poland, Karolina decided to expand her horizons and explore a different part of the world, and in 2015 aged just 19, she moved to Northamptonshire, UK.
Working in varied and challenging roles at several companies across the county, Karolina gained valuable experience, and in 2018 she discovered a Thorpes Joinery job vacancy on Indeed.
Not one to shy away from a challenge, Karolina decided to take the plunge and apply for a role in construction.
“From my first interview with Paul Cotton I felt that he had faith in me.
If it wasn’t for the encouragement given by Paul and the rest of the team, I wouldn’t be where I am today!”
Continuing on the path
Karolina showed her talent for joinery, and also baking!
After passing her interview with flying colours, Karolina underwent a couple of months of intensive training, Karolina started her role as a Machine Operator within the Thorpes Joinery factory. Quickly establishing herself as a key part of the factory team, integrating herself well into a high-pressure environment, whilst working towards her ESOL qualifications in English and IT.
Karolina’s role was one that was demanding in all facets, with manufacturing notorious for it’s demands both physically and mentally. However, this is an area in which she thrived, and her affable personality shone through.
Always happy to get involved with any task, Karolina also decided to share the Polish tradition of “Tłusty Czwartek” (Fat Thursday), with us all, baking Faworki (aka “Angel Wings”) and Pączki (Polish doughnuts) for us all, providing the opportunity for us all to learn about a culture different to our own, whilst enjoying some frankly delicious sweet treats.
Manufacturing is a traditionally male-dominated environment, although the balance is certainly shifting, and Karolina has expressed the positives that she has seen as a woman starting in construction:
“Construction is a male dominated industry and before I started at Thorpes quickly that became very apparent however, despite being a young woman in the construction industry the factory staff at Thorpes have been nothing but helpful and supportive towards my whole journey.”
Next step of the journey
Towards the end of 2022, Karolina took yet another leap of faith and expressed an interest in a new role within Thorpes, this time based predominantly in the office.
One of the things that the construction industry does extremely well is in offering routes for internal development and progression, and in moving into a new role within the office environment, Karolina has exemplified this.
Over the past few months, Karolina has been working towards progressing into a role as a document controller, working closely with Richard Moore who has been offering training and support.
“In my whole time in England, Thorpes has been the most friendly and supportive company I have worked for. They want to see you progress and, in my case, they have supported me through every step of my career here”.
“Karolina has been nothing but motivated since she joined, always wanting to expand her knowledge and develop her skillset. She has been a fantastic asset to the company”
To find out more about Women in Construction follow the link below:
Women In Construction