Toni Porter, district sales manager, Greater Manchester

I graduated from Chester University in 2015 and joined the Heidelberg Materials graduate programme the following year. I completed it just 18 months later and I am now working as a district sales manager for Heidelberg Materials Concrete, covering Greater Manchester. 

I was attracted to the scheme because of its variety and the opportunities it provides to spend time in different areas of the business across the UK. I really enjoyed my first rotation at Shap Quarry, I loved being out in the quarry seeing how it all worked. It was something completely new to me and I found it so interesting.

Every day is different, challenging and rewarding and that’s what keeps it fresh and exciting. I’m really enjoying my new role and am glad to be adding value to the company after learning so much over the last 18 months.

During the programme, I worked away for months at a time and at first it was difficult to get used to. However, I believe it helped me become confident travelling to new places alone, and meeting new people and I’ve learnt a lot from each place I’ve visited. I would advise anyone thinking of applying to be open to moving around the country so you can maximise your experiences.

There are so many opportunities at Heidelberg Materials and it would be great to see more female graduates join this industry, which many people have the wrong perception about. I’ve met so many inspiring people here and don’t feel like I am looked at any differently for being a woman.