Jobs for the girls
28 February 2008
Over 40 female students will get ‘hands on’ experience of working in the construction business at Bradford Community Housing Trust’s latest ‘taster’ day.
The event has been organised by Contract Services – part of the Trust’s Asset Management Service - and will involve role playing activities looking at different construction skills. The students will also get opportunity to have a go at plumbing, joinery, brickwork and electrical work in a training workshop.
The young women will hear about the skills needed to work in construction sector from experienced trades people and meet some of the Trust’s female apprentices.
The students, aged 15 to 18 years old, are coming from six secondary schools. They are: The Challenge College, Hanson School, Immanuel College, Laisterdyke College, Thornton Grammar and Tong Grammar. The students will be accompanied by teaching staff.
The event is a partnership between BCHT, ConstructionSkills - the training skills body for the sector - and Education Bradford Business Partnership. Four locally based companies – Arden Winch, Bilbeck, Newey and Eyre and Plumbing Trade Supplies – have provided materials and equipment used in the practical work.
The taster day takes place at the Bradford Youthbuild Trust’s Training Centre off Barkerend Road, Bradford.
Delroy Beverley, BCHT’s Director of Contract Services said “This is the second taster day we have organised to encourage women to move into the construction sector. We want to show that the building trade isn’t just for boys but is equally open to girls.
“As a major employer in the district, BCHT is fully committed to employing talented and enthusiastic people and tackle areas of under representation, such as recruiting more women and people from black and ethnic minority communities. I am delighted that 20% of the trade apprentices we employ are female and there is room for more.
“We hope everyone on the taster day has a rewarding time and their experiences lead to many of the students pursuing careers in the sector.
“The taster day is part of our drive to build more and more links with local schools. This has also previously included running an awareness day for teachers as a way of promoting construction careers in pupils in the classroom.”
Maria O’Sullivan, Recruitment and Careers Advisor at ConstructionSkills, added:
“It is vital that events such as BCHT’s taster day take place to educate young people about the career rewards available to them in the construction industry. ConstructionSkills is wholly committed to increasing the number of women working within the construction industry and to raise awareness of the wide skill base that is required.“
For more information on construction apprenticeship opportunities with BCHT contact Tony Thompson on 01274 257051.
28.02.08