An event recently took place in Blackridge which gave female students the chance to see what it is like to be involved in the construction industry.
The Women in Construction event was organised by Equate Scotland and Constructionarium Scotland Ltd, hosted at Sibbald Training, Blackridge and part funded by CITB.
The event gave those in further education in Built Environment courses a chance to put the theory into practice. Women currently working in the industry also came along to lend their support and give guidance to the group.
The project brought together 25 women from across Scotland where they were supported by Dale Lyon of Constructionarium Scotland Ltd and Lindsay Neill, a local contractor, and staff of Sibbald Ltd.
The women were split into three teams and each had an empty site on which to set out, excavate, create formwork, tie steel rebar, concrete foundations and erect a wind turbine and then connect that to the power house panel. The teams also had to take responsibility for their Health and Safety and Quality Assurance to comply with specifications designed by structural engineers.
This was the second annual event and feedback from all involved was very positive.
Not only does it help them transfer their skill base from theory to practical but also develops how they work in a team and boosts their confidence before heading into what is still a very male dominated work environment.
Local woman, Jade Shearsby from Mid Calder said: “It has let me see how the calculations and problem-solving work done in the class can be used and is very much vital when working on site” she also felt that the practical experience gained will help her put academic problems into perspective.”
West Lothian Council Depute Leader Kirsteen Sullivan also attended the event.
She added: “I was delighted to attend the event. It’s important that women are aware of the many possibilities and opportunities of a career in the construction industry which is still largely untapped for women.
“The event organisers and sponsors deserve great credit for hosting sessions such as this to allow students to see that it is achievable if they put the work in. I found the project interesting and challenging and I’m sure the students will take away many positives from the day.”
