A new programme encouraging young women to consider careers in construction has been hailed as a success.
The Girls into Construction project was run in partnership with Kier and Coatbridge High and St Ambrose high schools and supported by North Lanarkshire Council and Hub South West.
The initiative brought together schools and Industry to challenge gender stereotypes and introduce pupils to the opportunities available in the construction sector.
“The Girls into Construction was a great experience, and I’d encourage others to participate,” said one pupil.
“It’s not an area I’d thought of working before, but I now see the construction industry as a space with excellent opportunities for everyone.”
Sean O’Callaghan, framework director for Kier Construction North and Scotland, praised the programme, telling Lanarkshire Live: “Girls into Construction provides the next generation of construction professionals with a fantastic opportunity to gain a real insight into the industry.
“Seeing everyone present their reflections and learnings was inspiring, and I hope it has encouraged many to consider a career in construction.”
Targeting girls in their second year of secondary school, the programme encouraged them to explore STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) subjects while gaining hands-on construction industry experience.
Participants oversaw the lifecycle of a building project to introduce participants to the many roles involved, from planning and design to construction and completion.
Over eight sessions, the girls engaged in practical activities, attended site visits and participated in interactive workshops delivered by female role models from Kier Scotland.
The workshops included sessions on bid writing, design, costing, project planning and practical trade demonstrations.
The pupils also had the chance to visit St Kevin’s Community Hub, a live construction site, bringing their learning to life. In the final session, the pupils presented their experiences and insights to a panel of industry and council representatives.
Councillor Louise Roarty, depute leader of North Lanarkshire Council, said: “Encouraging young women to see construction as a viable career option is crucial for addressing the gender imbalance in the industry.
“This programme has shown what can be achieved when we work together to break down barriers and inspire the next generation. The enthusiasm and talent displayed by the pupils were truly inspiring.”
Rebecca Beveridge, marketing and partnerships lead at Hub South West, added: “Creating a diverse and inclusive pathway for girls to enter the construction sector is essential for driving innovation, addressing skills shortages, and ensuring a more representative workforce. Initiatives like this are crucial in breaking down barriers and inspiring the next generation.”
It also ties into the development of the new St Kevin’s Community Hub, a project led by Kier Scotland on behalf of North Lanarkshire Council and Hub South West.
*Don’t miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here.