Changing the face of construction: women breaking barriers and building a more inclusive workforce, one brick at a time
The construction industry has long been synonymous with hard hats, heavy machinery and a workforce mostly made up of men. However, more recently, women are increasingly stepping onto construction sites, wielding tools and taking on leadership roles in what was once considered a male-dominated domain. This shift is not limited to the workforce alone; it extends to Warrington & Vale Royal College’s workshops, in which there is an increasing female presence.
One such student is Clare, a local primary school teacher fed up of needing to ask for help with jobs around the house. So, she enrolled onto the college’s Introduction to Carpentry & Joinery course to learn new skills and increase her independence. Clare is a huge advocate for learning and believes that all adults should continue their education in one way or another. She says: “The tutors are great; they are very patient and understanding. I am having so much fun on this course!”
Another student stepping into the workshop is Bev, a remote worker looking to learn new skills and get out of her comfort zone. Like Clare, Bev is hoping to take the new expertise gained on the course and use it to make home improvements herself. She says: “All of the tutors, including the technicians, are lovely and great to learn from! The workshops have all of the equipment needed to learn, which makes the experience so much better.”
