A female builder is defying gender norms in a male-dominated industry.

Heather Walker, 26, joined the family trade at the age of 22 after struggling to find work as a personal trainer during the COVID-19 pandemic.

What was meant to be a short-term job has turned into four years of hard work and growth following in the footsteps of five generations before her.

Heather works alongside her father John Walker, 57, the director of TV Nix Builders, a company established in 1925 by her great-great-grandfather.

Heather began as a labourer under her father's guidance, learning the ropes by fetching tools and watching him work.

Now, she handles much of the work on her own, from plastering, block-laying to lintel installation.

Heather, a ground worker from Oxton in Nottinghamshire said: "When I first started, I had no idea about anything."

"I'd grab tools from the van without knowing what they were because, honestly, I just wasn't used to this stuff. "

"Now, I can do big structural tasks by myself, which I could never have imagined three years ago."

In a male-dominated field, Heather often feels the need to "prove herself"."

She said: "I feel I have to prove myself a bit more."

"But I've learned to power through, especially because the family business means so much to me." "

Heather has received a wave of support from clients, especially women, who admire her perseverance in a male-dominated field.

She said: "The older women absolutely love it. They think I'm amazing," "

Yet, she notes that the construction industry presents unique challenges, from finding suitable workwear.

She said: "Finding clothes that fit for a woman in construction is tough! "

"I've spent hours online searching for decent trousers that don't look like I'm wearing a sack. "

"It's a real struggle!"

Heather loves working with her father and the pair hope they can transition from construction work to rental business in the future.

She said: "People think we'd end up strangling each other, but we're crying with laughter most days."



"I love working outside, but I know I can't do this heavy lifting forever. "

"The plan is to carry on our family's legacy in a way that's a little easier on the body."