Lauren Moroney

Lauren Moroney never dreamed she would have a career in construction.

Lauren explains: “If you’d have told me when I was 15 that I would work in this industry I would have laughed in your face. But honestly I wouldn’t change it – there’s just something unique about working in construction, no two days are ever the same. You will never be posed the same challenges and I think this is why I love it so much. It’s a really friendly industry – yes, there’s still an element of proving yourself in a career which is primarily dominated by men, but it’s also part of the fun of working in the sector!”

When Lauren first left school she enrolled in the HNC Events Management course at North East Scotland College. Lockdown came along and she knew that she didn’t want to progress in this field. She had a part-time job as an office junior for KR Group (Scotland) Ltd and was asked to consider a Modern Apprenticeship in Business and Administration.

“ I knew the company well, liked the directors and I wanted to push myself and get the core skills I would need in a business environment. So I was happy to push the button and I joined as KR Group’s first Business and Administration apprentice. The apprenticeship to me gave me a chance to consolidate my knowledge – applying the theoretical learning to a real work based situation which makes so much more sense to me.“

Covid hit at the beginning of Lauren’s apprenticeship which meant she worked from home and was also furloughed for a period of time.

Lauren said: “My College assessor was great, constantly checking up to see how I was getting on and if I needed any support. It took a little while to learn how to do it myself – how to write up evidence for my portfolio but that discipline has come in useful as I am now currently studying for my Graduate apprenticeship.”

It took Lauren close to 20 months to complete the Modern Apprenticeship after which her role as Finance Assistant expanded to Business and Finance Assistant.

She continues: ”I now have responsibility for some areas of business development which is exciting. I’ve definitely noticed a big change over the past few years in my confidence levels. I used to be quite shy and timid but now I am happy to question and “ get out there”.

“I look after the Healthy Working Lives programme, creating information campaigns throughout the year, implementing it throughout the company in some cases going out on site to make sure the message gets through. I enjoy it! I am also a DYW ambassador, spreading the word on apprenticeships. It’s so rewarding, going to schools and career fairs speaking to students, igniting the spark of interest in those considering a career in construction and those that have never considered construction!”

Lauren is currently working towards a degree in Business Management through the Graduate Apprenticeship programme.

“It’s huge amounts of work but I would rather work hard for something to see the results at the end.”