Chardae’s journey: breaking barriers in the built environment
Chardae’s journey into the construction industry exemplifies resilience, ambition, and the power of representation.
Early inspiration and career path
Inspired by her dad’s role as a civil engineer, Chardae embarked on her career in construction right after completing sixth form. She currently serves as a commercial management trainee at Wates, actively pursuing a Level 4 qualification in quantity surveying. Her future plans include advancing to a degree in surveying and achieving chartership.
Championing diversity and representation
As a Black woman in the industry, Chardae sees herself as a pivotal figure in breaking barriers and encouraging individuals from diverse backgrounds to join the construction sector.
Role and responsibilities
In her current role, Chardae thrives on managing cost comparisons, handling subcontractor quotes, and navigating payment processes. Starting with smaller tasks, she steadily progresses to more complex responsibilities, supported by mentoring from both her line manager and a designated buddy who completed the trainee scheme.
Ambitions and future goals
Looking forward, Chardae aims to ascend to the position of commercial manager. She hopes to serve as a role model, demonstrating that determination and support can propel anyone to success in the construction industry.
Advice and insights
Chardae emphasises that while the application process can appear daunting, persistence is key. Wates values individuals who are open-minded and eager to learn, making specific construction knowledge optional.
Impact and legacy
Chardae’s journey isn’t just about personal achievement—it’s about inspiring a new generation of diverse talent to seize opportunities in the built environment. Her story underscores the transformative power of representation in overcoming barriers.
By highlighting Chardae’s experiences and aspirations, we celebrate her journey as a beacon of progress and inclusivity in the built environment.
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