International Women’s Day - Holly Holding, LGV Apprentice

Here at Qube Learning, we are celebrating and raising awareness of International Women’s Day!

In light of the event, Business Development Manager, Rachael Gallen and LGV Skills Tutor, Elise Mantay, who both have military backgrounds, and are therefore personally aware of working in an industry that is stereotypically ‘male-dominated’, caught up with some of our female, transport and logistics based Apprentices, at The John Lewis Partnership, to capture their thoughts on what it’s like to be an Apprentice in this typically male industry.

They spoke with Holly Holding, of The John Lewis Partnership, who’s currently completing her LGV Level 2 Apprenticeship and asked her the following:

1. What inspired you to apply for this Apprenticeship Career Route?

The Apprenticeship scheme is an incredible resource to learn new skills that potentially wouldn’t have been possible, without the scheme. This allows you to take a dramatic change and enable you the tools and skills needed in excelling in the chosen career.

2. What attracted you to John Lewis and Partners in particular?

John Lewis and Partners, has a formidable reputation. I applied as I wanted to to be proud of the company I chose to share my determination to succeed with. John Lewis and partners work to a respectable code of practice that coincides with my own work ethics allowing individual progression and growth. I am incredibly proud to work for John Lewis and Partners.

3. What does it mean to you, to be a woman in the part of the LGV Industry?

Being a woman in the LGV industry, we are a rarity. However being a woman doesn’t affect the ability to be a part of the LGV industry. I intend to learn and prove that limitations placed on us by others, can be succeeded. I am lucky enough to be a part of a very modern company that can cope with change. Throughout our progression we are encouraged by colleagues and managers to succeed.

4. What would you say to any women thinking about driving large Good Vehicles for a living?

There is nothing stopping you! Remove all doubts and go for it. There will always be challenges and narrow minded people in this world. Enjoy the Journey and love the career you have chosen.