A College in Suffolk is building a plan to encourage more women into construction careers during a national campaign.
UK Construction Week runs from 3 to 5 May 2022 and the headline event takes place in London at the Excel Centre. The occasion aims to be ‘a catalyst for the construction sector’ and establishments from across the UK are being encouraged to host their own individual events.
Following planned attendance to event, West Suffolk College will be hosting a live webinar and are seeking inspirational women in the Construction Sector to come and talk about their experiences.
Rebecca Mann - Head of Construction and Built Environment at West Suffolk College is determined to improve female participation in construction, she said: “In order for business’ to be more successful, the workforce needs to be diverse, this includes gender diversity. The industry is trying to redress the balance in terms of the male and female ratio – so training providers should do the same.”
The college are aiming to boost female participation in areas such as plumbing, electrical, brickwork, carpentry, painting and decorating and sustainable construction and would love women from Industry to get in touch.
Rebecca continued: “From our point of view, we need to get the message out to youngsters at an early age and excite them about our dynamic industry.
“The messages we will be promoting is that by studying construction, you will learn a skill for life that can take you anywhere in the world, the jobs in this industry are abundant at the moment, you can earn good money and most importantly - the industry is for everyone.”
Sophie Rule, carpentry and joinery apprentice at the college said: “I am a mature, female student on a course that will enable me to be qualified in a male dominated industry. Every member of staff at WSC has been so encouraging of this and not once have I felt out of place.”
Joanne Jeggo, plumbing and domestic heating gas apprentice at the college explained: “I believe it is far more about suitability for the role than what gender you are. My colleagues and tutors at the college have always been exceptionally supportive of my journey and I would always encourage other females to progress into the industry if it’s where their passion lies.”
If you are a woman in construction interested in being a part of our Q&A Webinar on the 5th May 2022 at 18:00 please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Employers – if you are interested in getting women into your workforce – fill in this survey below. Construction Bootcamps are a great way to introduce people into Construction to learn basic skills and to spark their interest.