Meet a trainee: Chardae Opoku-Afranie
Chardae’s journey into the construction industry exemplifies resilience, ambition, and the power of representation.
Currently working as a Commercial Management Trainee at Wates, Chardae joined after completing sixth form and is currently pursuing a Level 4 qualification in Quantity Surveying, with plans to progress to a degree in surveying and then chartership.
Inspired by her dad’s role as a civil engineer, Chardae, as a Black woman in the industry, sees herself as a representative figure, breaking barriers and encouraging others from diverse backgrounds to join the construction sector.
In her role, she enjoys everything from handling cost comparisons to managing quotes from subcontractors and navigating payment processes; starting with smaller tasks and gradually building complexity has helped her grow into her role. Chardae values the support she receives from Wates, not only from her line manager but also from a designated buddy who has recently completed the trainee scheme.
Looking ahead, Chardae’s ambitions include working her way up to becoming a Commercial Manager. She aspires to be a role model for others, demonstrating that with determination and support, anyone can excel in the construction industry.
She emphasises that the application process may seem daunting at first, but persistence is key, highlighting that Wates looks for individuals who are open-minded and ready to learn, so specific knowledge of construction is not compulsory.
Chardae’s journey is not just about personal success; it’s about inspiring a new generation of diverse talent to embrace opportunities in the construction industry. Her story underscores the importance of representation and the positive impact it can have on breaking down barriers.
