Elly-May swaps academia to chase ‘Queen of DIY’ dream

A Torquay woman has swapped a degree in neuroscience for a trades apprenticeship as she pursues her dream to become the ‘Queen of DIY’.

Elly-May Mangan was an A star student at Torquay Girls’ Grammar School and Exeter College before securing a place at Birmingham University.

But half-way through her degree, she decided that the academic route was no longer for her and she wanted to fulfil her ambitions to carry out a practical profession.

After doing some stop-gap customer services jobs, she applied for a multi-trade apprenticeship with LiveWest, the largest housing association in the South West.

And having started her new role, she couldn’t be happier.

Elly-May, 22, said: “University just wasn’t for me in the end. The further on I got into my course, the more it became obvious.

“I am not the sort of person who thrives in a sit-down environment. I like to be busy on my feet.

“I was steered down the academic route because I did well at school. That was all I knew.

“Sometimes you just have to admit it is not the right route and do something about it.

“I wanted to find a more suitable path that was better suited to me.

“I have always been practical and want to become the Queen of DIY.

“I love it. My sister got a new house recently and I couldn’t wait to go in and paint the kids’ bedrooms.

“Since the age of 12, I have always been into arts and crafts. Making things, designing things, I’ve even had a go at tiling and grouting – you name it, I will give it a try.

“These things give me more joy than any academic achievements. So why not make a career out of it?”

The multi-trade apprenticeship will give Elly-May experience in a number of practical jobs, including carpentry, plumbing, painting and decorating and building.

Her apprenticeship will see her work alongside a mentor in customer’s homes as she develops her skills. 

Elly-May added: “When I spotted the apprenticeship it looked amazing because it offered the chance to gain a range of skills and do something different every day.

“Juggling things on a day-by-day basis reflects my personality and is perfect for me.

“I went to the interview day, and I was shocked that I was in the younger bracket. I expected there to be lots of school leavers, but actually there were people of all ages.

“It just shows that apprenticeships aren’t just for young people fresh out of education, they are open to everyone.

“I didn’t think for one minute I would be successful at interview as there were so many people there with practical experience in a workplace. So when I was told I had got the job, I was over the moon.”

Elly is not the least bit fazed at entering a male-dominated industry and feels the current drive to recruit more women into the trades workforce should be welcomed.

LiveWest has launched a Women in Trades campaign designed to encourage more women to pursue a practical career in the housing sector.

Some 40% of its recent intake of trades apprentices are women and they are looking to bring in more as organisations across the region celebrate National Apprenticeships Week.

Elly-May said: “Some organisations just pay lip service to giving equal opportunities in specific areas of their business.

“I realise that trades are traditionally dominated by males but LiveWest are taking great steps to welcome more women into these areas.

“They have been brilliant with me. It’s not a case of me having to prove myself because I am a woman. There is a nice culture of equality and inclusivity and I really feel comfortable already.

“It has been pointed out that I didn’t secure the job to tick a diversity box, I was appointed because I am passionate about helping people, I enjoy practical tasks and have a thirst for learning new things.

“The reality is that large parts of the trades industry are closed off for women, but things are clearly different at LiveWest.

“And the chance to work for an organisation with a social purpose and to help people is great for me. I am looking forward to all of it.”

And reflecting on her long-term ambitions, Elly-May said: “My dream is to one day renovate an old house from scratch.”

For information on LiveWest careers, head to: www.livewest.co.uk/careers