Teenagers Louise Dabb and Becky Williams may be working in a typically male environment – but they have proved themselves more than capable when it comes to skimming walls.

The pair are the first ever girls to study plastering at Redcar & Cleveland College, where they are working towards their level one diploma on the full-time course.

The 18-year-olds are unfazed by the attention and find themselves mucking in like every other student on the programme. Indeed, their talents are such that both girls have shown a natural ability for plastering, with Louise being nominated to represent the college in the plastering category in the regional heat of the Skillbuild competition.

Plastering lecturer Peter Moore said the girls’ involvement in the course had had a calming and maturing effect on the class, as a whole.

“It’s rare to have one female plasterer, but we actually have two, which is extraordinary,” he said.

“They are the first full- time female plasterers Redcar & Cleveland College has ever had. Both girls are very good, and they get on with the task at hand like any of the boys. Louise, however, is one of the best in the class and is definitely showing a flair and talent that is quite remarkable.

“She is extremely motivated and uses her own initiative much of the time. She is outstanding. Equally, Becky is showing real skill and puts in a lot of effort and will definitely have a future in the trade. They are both excellent students.”

Both girls are now considering what the future holds. However, Louise is certain she wants to progress to the level two diploma and hopes to then get an apprenticeship. 

“I’m loving the course and feel as though I have learned so much,” she said.

“The facilities and workshops are great and the tutors really go out of their way to help.”

Becky said: “It’s a great course. I guess it is unusual to have girls on the plastering course, but we are treated no differently to anyone else.”

Head of the Construction faculty John Jordan said companies were eager to hire females, as were members of the public, so he had no doubts that the girls would succeed.

“The girls that take up the trades are certainly as able as the boys, but it is unusual in plastering for females to sign up. We are delighted to have them,” he said.