Breaking into a male-dominated career
Kirstie Worswick with her City and Guilds certificate
Kirstie Worswick, aged 20, from Hadfield in Glossop, has overcome prejudice to learn about and succeed in the male-dominated field of vehicle body and paint operations.
Her dedication and commitment to learning was recently recognised with the Adult Learners' Week East Midlands Regional Award for 'Individual Learner of the Year' 2011.
Upon entering further education in 2007, Kirstie began studying courses in vehicle body and paint operations, achieving up to level 3 in record time and with great distinction.
She then obtained a job doing vehicle paint repair work and enrolled with us at Hope Valley College to study City and Guilds Welding courses one day a week, progressing from level 1 to level 3 in just 16 months.
Hungry for more Kirstie joined the University of Derby at Buxton to do more welding courses and eager to pass on her skills she is training to teach the subject as well.
Kirstie's tutor, Graham Cox, said:
"Kirstie's learning has not been easy. She has met many obstacles in the journey, mainly because the skills she is learning are male dominated.
"On more than one occasion she has encountered prejudice and sexist assumptions about young women doing courses such as welding.
"Many people would have been put off, but Kirstie persevered. The way she has overcome these barriers is an inspiration for others who may wish to follow in her path and learn these skills.
"Kirstie is a very hard working and committed young woman who has a natural talent in welding. She has been a joy to teach. Since leaving school at 16, she has made extraordinary progress already in just three and a half years. Now she's after my job!
"Her ambition is to teach welding at Buxton College, when I retire. Her hard work and commitment to this skills sector will, I'm sure, ensure that she achieves her ambition."
Kirstie reflects:
"The body work and paint operation training has really helped me excel in my job gaining me a better wage. A bonus is that I have been able to help my family by repairing their cars and motorbikes!Getting the welding skills I have been able to prove to myself that I can do anything that I set my mind to. Lots of people in my past have told me I would never be able to do this type of work − I have proven them wrong and this has spurred me on to train to teach."
