A 21-YEAR-OLD from Trowbridge has smashed a gender stereotype as she was named Bricklaying Apprentice of the Year at the Construction Industry Apprenticeship Awards.

Shayne Davis, who originally tried for a career in catering, found her calling in bricklaying after she worked as a labourer on site with her dad and was offered a Level 2 apprenticeship, before going on to Level 3. She now plans to move into site management.

Miss Davis said: “I am so pleased and at the same time shocked to win this award. I feel like it's quite an achievement.

“My apprenticeship was a great experience and I would fully recommend it as a route to a brilliant career because you get the balance of learning and practical experience. I really enjoy bricklaying. It's so good to do something a bit different.

"I want to work my way up and go into site management one day."

“I’d like to thank my employer, Bloor Homes, and Wiltshire College as they supported me all the way in my apprenticeship.

The CITB Apprenticeship Awards celebrate the achievements of apprentices and employers across the country for their commitment and dedication to construction.

The winners were presented with their awards at a ceremony hosted by broadcaster and property entrepreneur, Sarah Beeny at Merchant Taylors’ Hall in London on November 7.

Jenny Arnold, apprenticeship officer at the CITB, said: “Shayne doesn’t let her small frame or her gender stop her from achieving in her construction career.

“She leads by example and has started to mentor Level 1 and 2 apprentices.

“Shayne is the first to put herself forward to learn new skills. In my role, it is amazing to see learners like Shayne grow.”