On course to climb the building ladder

For many, the sight of a female builder remains a welcome surprise.

But Jo, 36, is proving she's up there with the best after completing a plastering course with Brighton-based building and maintenance firm Rok.

Jo, of Sackville Road, Hove, said: "I still see heads turn when I am on site.

"Some of the older people I meet often stand and watch me work for a while over my shoulder but they soon get used to it.

"I guess for some the sight of a woman on a building site is still quite unusual but it is getting less and less the case."

Jo is a self-taught decorator who developed an interest in the trade after refurbishing her own bed and breakfast in Upper Rock Gardens, Brighton, eight years ago.

She worked for several builders before joining Rok, where she now works with the company's Brighton maintenance team. She is involved in providing services for a number of leading insurance companies including Lloyds TSB and Zurich.

Jo found that her lack of experience in plastering was holding her back so her employer, based in Woodingdean, sent her on a course which she finished last week.

She said: "I found that I was having to stop the work I was doing while a plastering team came in and then I could finish off. I raised this with the guys and they sent me on a course so now I can work to the end of the job, which is more cost effective."

She added: "Rok have been brilliant. Some people still think it is unusual for a woman to work in the building industry, but it is not an issue at all."

Jo is currently working on a Rok scheme to extend Carlton Hill Primary School, in Brighton, but has her sights set on moving up the company.

"I would like to become a lead technician with Rok but at the moment I am focussing on developing my plastering skills so I can work on bigger projects. I am thrilled to be moving forward."

Terry Nitman, area leader for Rok Brighton, said: "We're delighted that Jo has sailed through her plastering course and is developing her skills with Rok."