TEN-time world kickboxing champion Brooke Reeves is taking on her second year as an apprentice electrician with Glasgow-based construction firm City Building.
Brooke (19) recently took home the world champion titles for K-1 Light 19-25 year division fight, and Low Kick Light 19–36-year division at the Open World Championships 2023.
Alongside her kickboxing career, Brooke has been training as an apprentice electrician with City Building, where she is proudly challenging female stereotypes within the construction industry.
Her employment comes after completing a year-long electrical engineering course at Glasgow Clyde College.
Brooke said, “I’ve always been interested in learning a trade. My dad’s a tiler, so growing up I got to see the variety that this industry brings. I’m someone who likes to get stuck in and get their hands dirty. Even as a child, I begged my mum to let me change from dance classes to kickboxing because I wanted to be where the action was.
“My apprenticeship has been really hands on so far. It’s a mixture of working on site and at the training collage. My favourite part has been working in the repairs and maintenance division – I liked getting to go out and meet new people on the job. A few people were really surprised to see a 19-year-old girl turning up to fix their wiring!”
Brooke began kickboxing aged six, earning her first gold world championship titles two years later in the under 25-kilogram category.
Reflecting on the start of her kickboxing career, Brooke said, “When I first started competing, there were hardly any other girls involved. I used to get nervous about fighting against boys in my weight class, but my mum always reminded me that if I’m able to take on my older brothers sparing around the house, I can absolutely take on the boys in the ring.
“I think this attitude has been a reason that I’ve been able to thrive as an apprentice electrician. Although the construction industry is changing and the gender balance is levelling out, there is still only one other girl with me on the course at the moment. But that doesn’t bother me, I’m used to making space for myself in a male dominated industry.
“I think finding out that I’m a world champion kickboxer has challenged some perceptions held by others on the course. I’m proud to be part of the change happening in the construction industry and representing that woman are more than girlie stereotypes.”
City Building is committed to providing equal opportunities for women in the construction industry and recently announced it has increased female participation in further learning opportunities by 66% in the last year.
On her advice to other young woman looking to learn a trade, Brooke added, “Just go for it. It’s not just a boy’s club anymore and there are plenty of opportunities for women to have long and fulfilling careers in construction. City Building is a great environment to learn a trade in. Everyone just wants to see you succeed – regardless of gender. There are lots of opportunities once you are in to progress yourself through education and training. It’s a great opportunity, young women just need to grab at it.”
