A recent article from Lucy Alderson at Construction News examined the reality of women working in the construction industry.
However, despite any perceived gendering of the industry as a whole, the number of females in construction employment is on the up. According to Go Construct, an industry-wide initiative that aims to attract, inform and retain a talented workforce for the construction sector, 37% of new entrants into the industry that come from higher education are women.
Happily, this upward trend of women going on from colleges and universities into construction careers reflects the increasing diversification of the construction industry as a whole. With misconceptions about gender specific roles gradually diminishing, more and more women are now choosing a career in construction.
In fact, women now make up around 14% of construction industry professionals – and the number is rising.
This change in attitude to ‘men’s work’ is coming into effect at the same time as a change in perception of just what the construction industry involves – it’s certainly not an old-fashioned industry and actually offers many opportunities for career progression and skill development.
We explored some of the ways in which construction is embracing innovation and technology with Marc Fleming, Curriculum Manager for Built Environment Technicians and Interior Design, but this doesn’t mean that the more traditional aspects of construction aren’t still relevant and thriving.
One Fife College student who would certainly agree with that is Michelle Reid. Michelle, from Dunfermline, is studying to be a bricklayer.
"I have always been interested in trades work,” Michelle explains, “I decided to study Construction at Fife College as it was my local college and, after looking at the prospectus, I found National Progression Award: Construction to suit me best.”
Asked if she thinks the course has helped get her ready to start her career, Michelle doesn’t hesitate. "I definitely think that the course helped me prepare for a career in bricklaying,” she says, “I am now doing an apprenticeship in bricklaying. The course was great in helping me to build confidence and learn new skills.”
If you’re interested in finding out more about a career in construction, visit Go Construct.
To explore the courses on offer in Fife, check out our subject pages.
