Nationwide Platforms celebrates career inclusivity for International Women’s Day

This International Women’s Day (8th March 2024) is centred around inspiring inclusion which resonates with Nationwide Platforms’ newly certified IPAF Trainer, Paulina Stempnakowska and recently appointed Regional HSE Manager, Hayley Blaymire, two women thriving in traditionally male dominated careers.  

Embarking on their careers with Nationwide Platforms within the last three years, both women were inspired by NWP’s history of industry pioneering women carving out their ideal career path.  

Beginning her career in a new country and learning a new language, 37 year old Paulina started in Nationwide Platforms’ fleet department as a Transport and Fleet Co-Ordinator. She soon found the scheduled pattern of the work didn’t suit her curious nature and sought a new challenge by following in the footsteps of Kelly-Ann Macgillivray, the first woman to complete Nationwide Platforms’ IPAF Trainee programme. Paulina recently qualified within the second cohort of the programme. The programme is a groundbreaking initiative designed and implemented by Nationwide Platforms to pave the way for workers of all backgrounds to gain the necessary skills to become a fully qualified trainer and address the emerging skills gap.

As a qualified trainer, Paulina is thrilled to be able to provide the same support and inspire other women coming into the industry made possible by Nationwide Platforms’ supportive culture. Her role now takes her across the Midlands, delivering IPAF certified training across the region’s depots.   

Paulina said “I love my new role; being able to train and help others to succeed in their own roles is very satisfying. The IPAF trainer course boosted my confidence and gave me the full working knowledge I needed. I even felt able to help an external applicant who lacked knowledge of the machines get through some of their learning. Despite how challenging the course was, I enjoyed every moment. I have quite a big personality, which has definitely helped me to put myself forward and keep asking questions. As a single mum I’ve also had to learn to be adaptable, which has had a positive impact on how quickly I can learn and gain skills.”

Paulina Stempnakowska, Qualified IPAF Instructor

Similarly, Hayley was inspired by Alana Paterson who, until recently was the Head of HSE at Nationwide Platforms and now appointed as Chair of the International Safety Committee for IPAF. Newly appointed to her current role, 34-year-old Hayley is the only woman on her team and is keen for her own passion for progression to set an example for other women to follow. Having started her career within the hospitality industry, starting a health and safety role within the powered access industry was a very different environment for Hayley, but she quickly progressed from Trainee HSE Advisor to Regional HSE Manager at NWP, encouraged by her managers and colleagues at every step. 

Hayley said, “Joining Nationwide Platforms was a huge career change for me. Before Covid I worked in the hospitality industry, but the lockdowns and resulting impact on catering and events meant I had to reassess my future career. My priority has always been to continue making places of work safe for everyone and I was inspired by the importance Nationwide places on the safety of its workers. It’s fantastic to have such a supportive employer. Everyone is keen to see you succeed and go out of their way to make sure you get the help and training you need.”

Hayley Blaymire, Regional HSE Manager

Looking to the future, both Paulina and Hayley have big ambitions to further their careers at Nationwide Platforms and continue their personal development while inspiring others to do the same.

Paulina said “I’m going to continue working towards being qualified to train on all machine types, so I can give others a fully rounded education, with the aim to become a senior trainer and someday a team leader. It’s important you pursue the career you want, whatever your age or place in life. I’m more than happy to be a point of contact for anyone who would like to learn more about working in construction. Don't let barriers get in your way; there are plenty of people who will support you to get the right help. I’ve had amazing role models like Kelly-Ann and Rebecca Myers who have shown me you can put your mind to anything and succeed with the right approach.”

Hayley added, “Nationwide Platforms has only opened doors for me. When I first joined, I was inspired by Alana who I thought did an amazing job in her role as the head of HSE and as part of the safety committee. I hope to eventually become HSE director and inspire more women to just apply for the roles they want. It can be daunting joining a male dominated industry, but times are changing, have already changed and continue to progress. I’ve never felt overlooked for being a woman at Nationwide Platforms and I think it's important to eliminate the fear element. We need to outline how easy it can actually be for women to get into these areas of work. It’s fantastic to see that women do already feel more inspired to go for their dream roles and are joining inclusive work environments. I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”

Rebecca Myers, External Training Manager at Nationwide Platforms said “It’s fantastic to see more women enter the industry. Feeling included in a male dominated environment is important, and having inspirational women in our own teams at Nationwide Platforms is a great stepping stone to seeing more women in these types of roles. We look forward to seeing Paulina and Hayley progress and can’t wait to see what they do next.”

Nationwide Platforms is proud to be a fair employer that empowers women to feel included and supported at its offices and depots. Other schemes it has introduced to support female workers include its updated maternity policy that took effect in 2023.