A post by Skills for Security.
In celebration of International Women’s Day, we shine the spotlight on 2 of our learners, Chloe Mayhew and Olivia Johnson who are both carving out their careers as fire and security technician apprentices in what has traditionally been a male-dominated industry. Yet for them, the experience has been refreshingly straightforward.
From the outset, both say they’ve been treated the same as everyone else. They’re not singled out or handled differently, just seen as apprentices doing the job like anybody else. “We’re not one of the boys,” they explain, “but we are not treated differently because we’re female either.” For them, equality has meant normality.
That’s not to say there haven’t been moments that tested them. On site jobs, there can occasionally be the odd joking comment, a passing remark questioning whether they know how to use a tool. Rather than discouraging them, those moments have often had the opposite effect. They’ve fuelled a quiet determination to prove that they are just as capable. Chloe shares that she has learned not to take throwaway comments personally, while also recognising when something needs to be challenged. For Olivia, it’s about showing through action that gender has nothing to do with competence.
Support along the way has made a difference. A female tutor, left a lasting impression on both of them. Having worked on the tools herself, she brought credibility and encouragement in equal measure. She reinforced the message that women belong on site and should never be treated differently. More importantly, she helped build confidence not just technical ability, but the confidence to speak up and stand their ground if needed.
Now approaching the later stages of their apprenticeship, both learners can see how much they’ve grown. Olivia is most proud of her communication skills. Working on building sites means interacting daily with engineers, other trades and customers. Over time, she’s become more open, more confident and far more comfortable speaking to a wide range of people. Chloe, meanwhile, reflects on resilience. Breaking into the industry wasn’t easy, and there have been challenging periods over the past year and a half. But sticking with it and progressing to the point where she’s working more independently has been a personal milestone.
Looking ahead, their ambitions are taking shape. Olivia can see herself continuing on the tools, perhaps even taking her skills abroad one day, or moving into project management in the future. Chloe is keen to broaden her experience, potentially moving from domestic and social housing work into more commercial projects that offer a different pace and environment. Neither feels boxed in; the apprenticeship at Skills for Security has given them a strong foundation with options.
If they could offer advice to other young women considering the same path, it would be simple: take the first step. Imposter syndrome can creep in, that nagging doubt about whether you belong but they’ve learned that it affects everyone, not just women. The key is pushing past it. “Anyone can do it,” they say. “It doesn’t matter what sex you are.”
For Chloe and Olivia, success in fire and security isn’t about proving a point it’s about building skills, growing in confidence and staying resilient. And in doing so, they’re quietly helping to reshape perceptions of who belongs on site.
