GRAHAM supports college to nurture young female construction talent

GRAHAM Construction is set to support an innovative new course to create better links between education and the construction industry.

The Female into Construction course, run by New College Lanarkshire, is open to 16 female school-leavers, and provides a National 5 qualification in Construction Crafts.

The course will be supported by several tier one hub South West construction partners and aims to encourage young females who are interested in a career in construction, while highlighting the varying career paths into the industry.

The college, which was recently rated among the UK top three institutions for skills at WorldSkills UK, will run the course from April 30 – June 29 at its Motherwell campus.

Throughout the course, students will have the opportunity to visit GRAHAM Construction sites, where they can observe a variety of construction roles in action. They will also meet with some of GRAHAM Construction’s Young Female Ambassadors, who will visit the College and give presentations on their experiences in the industry.

GRAHAM has also donated £500 towards a graduation ceremony for the pupils who successfully complete the course.

After finishing, students who wish to pursue a trade career are guaranteed a place on New Lanarkshire College’s City and Guilds pre-apprenticeship course, starting in August.

Students who are interested in pursuing a professional career path in construction may have the opportunity to join the College’s Built Environment course at National or Higher National Certificate level.

Debbie Rutherford, regional community benefit advisor 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.”

Martyn Campbell, curriculum and quality leader for construction at New College Lanarkshire, added: “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.”

GRAHAM is a member of the ‘5% Club’, an organisation consisting of companies committed to ensuring 5% of their workforce over the next five years is comprised of young people on structured learning schemes.