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From the frontline - Nicola Hilton
New Charter Building Company’s Nicola Hilton on how customers react to a female gas technician and how to get more women into similar roles
What does your job involve?
I service and repair gas appliances in tenanted properties. This can include changing faulty boiler parts, servicing them and checking the safety of the appliances for tenants’ use.
How did you get into the sector?
When I left school I had no idea what job I wanted. I had heard a little bit about apprenticeships and it seemed more interesting as I read into it, so I applied. I attended college one day a week and the rest of the week I was out on site with an engineer. It was never boring and I was never stuck in one place. I was very quiet and shy, but meeting different people made me more confident and brought me out of myself.
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What’s the best thing about your job?
I can’t pinpoint just one best thing about my job as there are so many, but my team is brilliant with me and they make me feel like I belong. I also enjoy meeting people and helping them; it gives me a sense of pride.
And the most challenging?
Dealing with upset tenants is the most challenging part of my job. But if you treat people with respect and do the utmost you can, there is always a nicer outcome.
Are customers ever surprised to see a female gas technician?
My tenants are always surprised to see a female engineer but they say it’s a lovely change. Most tenants feel more comfortable and will even request me again.
How can we attract more women into this kind of work?
I think we can attract more female engineers by going into schools, explaining the job role and showing pupils how brilliant a career it is.
What is your dream job?
My dream is to become the CEO of the Health and Safety Executive. When I retire I’d like to open a dog sanctuary.
What’s the first thing you’d do if you became prime minister?
If I were prime minister, I would make sure more trade jobs are advertised to women. I would also make it mandatory that real trades are taught in technology classes at school, so the younger generation can get a feel for it.
What would your superpower be and why?
I’d like the ability to read minds so I’d know exactly what to say in interviews to get my perfect job.
