Megan case study
Meet Megan Morgan. At just 18-years-old, she’s possibly the youngest female crane slinger and crane operation apprentice in the UK. She’s helping to build the new Velindre Cancer Centre - while also pushing gender boundaries in the construction industry
She’s young, fresh-faced and making her mark in the male dominated world of construction. As a slinger and crane operator apprentice for sub-contractor MPS Crane Operators, she’s helping build a state-of-the-art facility in her home city and loving every minute of it.
Megan, from Cardiff, tells us: “I did a multi skills course, along with carpentry, at college and then I said to my Dad, who also works in construction, that I needed a change and didn’t know what to do. He said, ‘Well, why don’t you be a slinger?’ and I thought “Oh, well I might as well give it a go” and here I am!”
And her Dad’s suggestion was a good one because Megan is thriving. As a slinger, she safely attaches loads to cranes and directs lifting operations using hand or radio signals, thus playing a key role in ensuring safety on construction sites.
She explained: “I’m really enjoying working in the construction industry. It’s good experience, looks good on your qualifications and there’s always plenty of work so you’ll always have something to come back on.”
Transitioning from unemployment to full-time work was a big leap but Megan says: “Once you get yourself into a routine its perfect. Working helps keep you organised.”
Whilst the nVCC project currently boasts the one highest female ratios in UK construction, still being a minority on site hasn’t fazed her, especially with her Dad around.
“Because my Dad works here and they respect him I don’t really get many comments. It can be intimidating, but you’ve got to just let it go if someone says something negative, give it back. Show you don’t care, and they’ll soon leave you alone.
“There are challenges obviously. Basically, because I’m a girl I feel I have to do more to prove I can do it. But my advice would be, if you’re a young girl and you want to do it, then just do the best you can do. Some of the girls are better than the men,” Megan added.
“If you have an idea or dream, just go for it, the world is your oyster. If you feel pressure, ignore it, fake it until you make it, I say. If you have a dream or if you want to be a slinger, just go for it, chase your dream. It’s going to be hard, but you keep going and suddenly it gets easier - and just think of the money you can earn.”
What keeps her motivated? “Every day is a new day, so go forward and hope for the best. Once you have the experience you can go a really long way with it. You can go to other countries and learn more. I am proof that girls can work in construction, it’s not just a boy’s environment, girls can do it as well.
She also has a newfound confidence, thanks to her job: “When I first found out I’d be speaking on a radio to other workers I was like ‘Oh, I’ve got to speak to a random stranger? Oh no!’, but you just ask the crane driver their name and make some conversation. You’ve just got to get to know the people around you. I used to be shy, but this job brings you out of your shell.”
Megan and MPS will be on site for the duration of the nVCC project until the crane works are finished. Sacyr UK wish her and the MPS team all the best with their next project and hope to see more of Megan as she continues her journey in Construction.
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Left to right: Aaran Morgan (Megan’s brother), Graham Thomas (her Dad) and Megan.
