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Grace Poll - Women In Leadership
Name: Grace Poll
Role: Management Trainee
Company/Organisation: Apex Contractors
A bit about you: I'm a second-year degree apprentice, currently studying at the University of Greenwich one day a week while working full-time as a Management Trainee with a main contractor. As part of the five-year trainee programme, I rotate through different departments to gain a broad understanding of the industry and figure out which area best suits my strengths. So far, I’ve completed a year in Quantity Surveying and eight months in Site Management. My interest in construction started through several work experience placements I took on during and after my A-Levels, which helped me decide this was the right path for me.
Why did you decide to go into your chosen field? I always knew a degree apprenticeship was the route I wanted to take after completing my A-Levels. I took on various work experience opportunities, which really helped me narrow down my interests and confirmed that construction management was the right fit for me.
What qualifications and work experience did you need to reach your current position? 3 A-Levels Grade C and above / the equivalent.
What do you enjoy the most about your job? What I enjoy most about my job is that I’m not stuck at a desk all day. The variety keeps it interesting, there’s always something new to deal with. I like being hands-on and seeing the progress of the work first-hand.
What obstacles have you overcome in your career? The transition from school life to work life has been more of a personal obstacle for me. In school, you're in a more structured and predictable environment, with clear timelines and immediate feedback. Entering work, I found myself in a more relaxed but also less defined environment, where self-direction, initiative, and long-term planning become much more important. It took time to adjust to managing my own workload, setting my own goals, and adapting to different team dynamics. But through that process, I’ve developed stronger time management skills and become more confident in navigating ambiguity.
Why do you think it is important to have strong female representation in your industry? The construction industry as a whole is still a strongly male-dominated field. Having female representation not only challenges outdated stereotypes but also contributes to building a more inclusive and diverse industry. It shows that capability isn’t defined by gender, and it opens the door for future generations of women to see themselves in roles they might not have considered before.
What advice would you give those wanting to take a similar career path? Work experience is a valuable opportunity that offers real insight into what working life is like, across different types of roles and environments. It gives you a glimpse into day-to-day operations, workplace dynamics, and expectations, while also helping you discover career paths you may not have considered.
