Women working in the construction industry are set to benefit from a further £1/2m government funding, won to support continued training in the sector.

ConstructionSkills, a government-funded project, secured the money for the Women and Work: Sector Pathways initiative, despite the economic downturn.

Sir Michael Latham, ConstructionSkills chairman, said the scheme had supported 688 women through work last year, training them for a new job or with new skills to progress into higher level, better paid roles.

He added: “We have a good track record of working to increase the diversity of the workforce, and our Positive Image campaign continues to target potential new entrants to the industry, changing perceptions and challenging stereotypes.”

Candidates on the Women and Work scheme, which is overseen by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES), receive health and safety training, technical skills, professional development and mentoring support.

UKCES chief executive Chris Humphries CBE said: “Removing barriers to employment and progression is always important, and the Women and Work: Sector Pathways initiative is designed to do just this.”

The £420,750 now secured for the scheme follows the granting of £660,000 for phase two of the project last year, which was set aside to support recruitment, retention and progression of women in the industry.

In phase one of the project more than 2,200 women were helped to gain access to work-related training and support initiatives in the construction industry.

Gez Carr, project manager at Mace Sustain, praised the scheme. He said: “The match funding process has allowed Mace to deliver an enhanced programme of training in document control to support the ongoing career development of Mace employees.

“Our ConstructionSkills Women and Work project adviser has been incredibly supportive, providing advice and guidance from the outset, making the whole process from project application to delivery a smooth one.”

And the initiative has been welcomed by business and employees who use it.

Kimberley Larkin, who works in the construction industry, said: “The Women and Work programme is fun, relaxed and a really good way to meet other people whilst learning about useful topics and techniques you may need in your future career in the construction industry!”

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