Women encouraged into construction
19.12.2007
Neath Port Talbot Council has been recognised for its work to encourage females to take up a career in the construction industry.
Pictured receiving the prize from Roger Silvester, Construction Skills Educaton and Careers Advisor, are Mike Howard and carla hughes from Neath Port Talbot Council
The council's housing renewal and adaptation service has been commended by Construction Skills for its achievements in employing and promoting females in non traditional roles.
The #200 STEP suppot funding award follows a series of events county borough wide organised by the council's construction ambassador, Mike Howard.
Construction Ambassadors give young people a real life perspective of the industry through school visits, presentations or activities. They cover all the trades and professions.
Mike, joined by the renewal and adaptations service's Carla Hughes, has been visiting renewal areas in Neath Port Talbot to promote construction as a career and help address this need at a local level.
He has also been encouraging local contractors to think about what opportunities are available for women in their own businesses.
Research shows that the UK construction industry needs diversity to help sustain and develop growth and with client expectations changing, employers in the industry are being encouraged to realise the benefits of recruiting a diverse workforce.
Paul Thomas, Cabinet Member for Social Care, Health and Housing, said, "The council is committed to promoting equal opportunities in employment and staff development as well as in the services we provide.
"We welcome the chance to work closely with organisations such as Construction Skills to encourage diversity within the construction industry.
"I am delighted that our work to date has been recognised and would like to congratulate the team on their proactive approach."
Roger Silvester, Construction Skills Education and Careers Advisor, added, "The work started by Neath Port Talbot is encouraging as it develops a positive image of the industry and shows that training and mentoring is vital to recruit a diverse workforce."
NOTE TO EDITORS
Construction Skills is the Sector Skills Council for construction. They estimate that women represent only 10% of the construction workforce and the percentage has remained the same for the past 10 years.