Solihull College & University Centre’s Woodlands Campus recently hosted an inspiring talk by award-winning plasterer Dee Prosser, a female trailblazer in the male-dominated construction industry.
Seven female students enrolled on the College’s Plastering course had the opportunity to hear firsthand about Dee’s incredible journey from a criminal justice professional to becoming the celebrated founder of ‘Politely Plastered’.
Dee, a mother of two, captivated the students with her story of transformation. After years of working in prisons, she left her desk job in her thirties to pursue her passion for plastering. “It wasn’t easy,” Dee admitted. “I sacrificed financial stability during my training, but I kept my eyes on the end goal.” Her dedication paid off as she was crowned Plasterer of the Year last month and now runs a thriving business employing skilled plasterers.
The event was sparked when Plastering Lecturer Carl Pedley noticed Dee’s branded van and reached out to invite her to speak to the College’s female plastering students. Dee, fresh from a plastering job, delivered a motivational talk that emphasised resilience, authenticity, and the importance of pursuing one’s dreams, regardless of societal expectations.
Dee reassured the students that entering a trade does not mean compromising femininity. “You can still be ‘girly’ if you want to,” she joked, adding a humorous anecdote about the protective benefits of long lashes while plastering. Her words resonated deeply with the students, particularly as she encouraged them to focus on their personal growth rather than immediate financial rewards.
Dee’s visit wasn’t just inspiring, it was actionable. She committed to taking all seven female students on as work experience placements and has pledged to offer three apprenticeships through Politely Plastered. “I see a bright future for these young women,” she said. “They’ve got what it takes to succeed in this industry.”
Three students will have the opportunity to undertake an apprenticeship with Dee following their work experience at ‘Politely Plastered’.
In addition to her business, Dee is a sought-after speaker, regularly appearing on podcasts and partnering with brands such as Regatta. Her journey underscores the potential for success in trades and the importance of staying true to oneself.
The Plastering course at the College is breaking new ground, particularly with the enrolment of a growing number of female students. Plastering Tutor, Mark Richards, praised Dee’s impact, saying: “Her story shows our students that anything is possible with hard work and determination. We’re incredibly proud to have role models like Dee inspiring the next generation.”
This event marked another step forward in the College’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and empowering women to enter trades traditionally dominated by men.
