Graham Building has launched ConstructHER, a programme to encourage female high school pupils across Glasgow to pursue a career in engineering and construction.
Supported by Developing the Young Workforce and Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, the ConstructHER programme will enable eight S5 and S6 – representing 16 and 17 year olds respectively – high school pupils to learn more about the world of construction.
Applications are now open, with the successful hopefuls awarded a place on the course in October 2024.
Delivered at a variety of locations, including on live construction sites in the city, universities and colleges, Graham has designed the six-month ConstructHER programme to address the traditional gender imbalance in the sector.
Those who complete the programme will be fast-tracked to apply for a full-time apprenticeship with Graham, including in engineering, design management, planning, quantity surveying and administration and document control.
Graham head of social impact and support services Debbie Rutherford said:
“We’re proud to launch our ConstructHER programme which is designed to show the breadth of job opportunities available in the construction sector. Working collaboratively with local schools across Glasgow will help to inspire our future generations to pursue a career in construction, which many may have not considered until now.
“We are looking forward to taking the ConstructHER co-hort out to our live sites, including a purpose-built student accommodation scheme at 225 Bath Street, where they will get the opportunity to see first-hand how new developments come out of the ground and change the skyline of Glasgow city centre.“
Alison McRae, senior director, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, said:
“ConstructHER is a fantastic initiative that will encourage female pupils to learn more about the broad range of roles available in the construction industry. Aligning with Developing the Young Workforce’s ethos of inspiring young people to gain the skills and knowledge they need to succeed as they move from education into the world of work, we are proud to support Graham in the roll out of the programme across schools in Glasgow."
Graham will also welcome 15 new apprentices this year across its Building North division, including quantity surveyors, design managers, site administrators, planners and site engineers.
This week also sees a celebration of the critical role of female engineers and construction professionals, with the 2024 edition of the Inspiring Women in Construction and Engineering (IWICE) conference and awards taking place today and this evening.
Presented by New Civil Engineer, Construction News and Ground Engineering, the event is taking place in London today. This year’s nominees – announced in June – include teams and individuals from organisations including Amey, Strabag, Mott MacDonald and Skanska.
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