Women In Construction

Women & Work Sector Pathways Initiative

The ConstructionSkills Women & Work project, in conjunction with the Sector Skills Development Agency, was established to address the under-representation of women in the construction industry. It aimed to create sustainable employment in the construction sector for women inEngland, by funding training to a minimum of NVQ Level 2 qualification and providing mentor-ing and support for at least six months in their employment.

Elevate’s Constructing The Future (CTF) Project, in partnership with Wai Yin Chinese Women’s Society in Manchester, became involved with the Women & Work initiative following a successful bid to ConstructionSkills to carry out the North West element of the project in 2007/08.

The projectmet and exceeded the targets set, benefiting over 330 candidates and including approximately 50 women from the Pennine Lancashire area. The project has also supported a web site which has provided an on line map of training providers in theNorth West, a dissemination event, a case study report focusing upon the candidates themselves and a project evaluation study.

The largest group of beneficiaries was clerical staff, followed by managerial staff and then by technical staff. The training ranged from induction to post-graduate education, with CPD training making up the largest proportion.

Following the success of Phase One of the project, CTF, this time in conjunction with the Centre for Construction Innovation (CCI) and Birse Civils Limited, a unique partnership of organisations, bid and successfully obtained the funding to run the North West element for Phase Two (2008/09) of the project.

Although the project was ‘employer led’ it has been collaborative effort utilising employer, service provider and specialist resources. The aim for Phase Two was to provide women with access to facilities for training which will help them to become fit for work and to encourage participants to take advantage of opportunities for work in construction.

The project ultimately delivered 283 outputs, however it reached approximately 500 through its various training events and initiatives.

The resulting legacy left by the project will provide a valuable network for Women working in the construction industry across the North West and beyond, to share experiences and best practice and support each other’s career development.