A SCOTTISH construction company has launched a scheme to help young women get a start in the industry.
GRAHAM Construction is supporting an “innovative new course” run by New College Lanarkshire to create better links between education and the construction industry.
The Female into Construction course is open to 16 female school-leavers, and provides a National 5 qualification in Construction Crafts.
The college, recently rated among the UK top three institutions for skills at WorldSkills UK, will run the course from April 30 to June 29 at its Motherwell campus.
Martyn Campbell, curriculum and quality leader for construction at New College Lanarkshire, said: “We are delighted to have GRAHAM on board with this project. Our students will benefit hugely from the opportunity to visit their sites, and to hear the experiences of their female employees.
“We aim to inspire our students, and remove false perceptions of construction as a male-only sector. GRAHAM’s support will allow us to do so all the more effectively.”
The course aims to encourage young women who are interested in a career in construction by highlighting the different career paths on offer.
It will be supported by a number of Hub South West construction partners.
As a result of the partnership with the college, students will be given the opportunity to visit GRAHAM Construction sites to see the industry in action.
They will also be able to meet with GRAHAM’s Young Female Ambassadors, who will visit the college and give presentations on their experiences in the industry.
Debbie Rutherford, regional community benefit adviser at GRAHAM Construction, said: “It’s fantastic to be involved with this course. We are very much looking forward to meeting the students and helping them throughout their journey.
“It’s important to us that young people, no matter their gender, are educated on the various routes to employment and are inspired and encouraged along the way.”
GRAHAM will also donate £500 towards a graduation ceremony for the pupils who successfully complete the course.
After finishing, students pursuing a career in the trade are guaranteed a spot on the college’s City and Guilds pre-apprenticeship course.
Students who are interested in following a professional career path in construction also have the opportunity to join the college’s Built Environment course at National or Higher National Certificate level.
GRAHAM is a member of the “5% Club”, an organisation made up of companies committed to having five per cent of their workforce over the next five years comprised of young people on structured learning schemes.
The firm employs more than 300 people in Scotland and has managed more than 150 apprenticeships.
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