Miss Toor, currently a third year student at Wolverhampton University, works for the repairs section in Building Services as a construction management trainee.Her essay submission under the ‘Creative Construction’ theme focuses on the skill shortage in the construction industry.

She also draws conclusions on the stereotypical ‘man’s world’ giving her personal experiences of being a woman in a predominantly male industry.

As the runner up in the competition, Miss Toor was awarded £250.

The JCT Student Essay Competition ran between September 8 and March 18 with a brief of ‘Creative Construction’.

The competition was open to any student registered with a UK educational or professional institution studying a degree, professional qualification, vocational course of trade apprenticeship.

Councillor Gaye Partridge, Cabinet member for housing, said:

“At Dudley Council we are always extremely proud of the work that our employees do both inside and outside of their duty.

“We are congratulating Rachel on her wonderful achievement and to be recognised nationwide is a testament to the hard work that she does.”

Rachel Toor said:

“I was really shocked that they even considered my application, but I am so happy and proud to see my work appreciated.

“To be even considered was amazing but to come in the top three entries in the country, I am so pleased.”