About Women Construct Wales
Women Construct Wales is an innovative project that supports women of all ages, background and circumstance to learn construction and employability skills through the renovation of empty properties across Wales.
The project supports women to develop the skills, knowledge and understanding required to progress into employment in the construction industry. Providing a pre-employment pathway through the renovation of properties, the project supports the development of participants’ construction skills in an active, empathetic and supportive environment, free from intimidation and stigma.
As well as providing construction experience, the project seeks to address the challenges and barriers faced by women wishing to pursue employment in this industry.
“In my time on the project I have gained lots of new skills which will enable me to move forward with careers in my life, and has also given me so much confidence due to all the support and help given along the way. The Cii is an absolutely amazing organisation and great people to work with, they are understanding, helpful and have lots of patience when teaching! This has been the best course I’ve been on by far!”
Background
Lauren took part in the Women Construct Wales project in Neath during 2019 following a referral from the local JobCentre Plus. Lauren was keen to find employment that she loved therefore was open to trying a wide range of courses and opportunities to find what was right for her.
Lauren had previously sought a career in Health & Social Care however wasn’t sure that this was the correct path for her. Living locally, Lauren came across the Women Construct Wales project in Neath and jumped at the chance to attend and learn new skills in an area that she had little experience.
Journey
One of the first referrals into this particular project in Neath, Lauren attended on a regular basis for the duration of the project.
Lauren was a well-liked member of the team, with her outgoing nature and personality putting others at ease, creating a fun and engaging learning environment. However, Lauren showed herself to also be a hard-working and conscientious member of the group, learning new skills in a wide range of construction trades.
Lauren was supported to develop a wide range of trade skills, including plastering, tiling, kitchen/bathroom fitting, carpentry and painting & decorating. Not only did Lauren develop new skills, her confidence grew with her ability, whilst she successfully obtained her CSCS card, funded through the project.
Anne was a well-liked member of the group and even brought her dog in at times, who was a trained therapy dog! Anne was supported to develop a wide range of trade skills, including plastering, tiling, kitchen/bathroom fitting, carpentry and painting & decorating. Not only did Anne develop new skills, her confidence grew throughout the project alongside her sense of achievement.
Next Steps
Throughout the Women Construct Wales project, Lauren demonstrated an ongoing willingness to learn, improve herself and support others to learn.
Having displayed an ability to quickly learn new skills and practise these to a high level, Lauren will now be pursuing employment in the construction industry, crediting the Women Construct Wales project with providing the stepping-stone for her to achieve her new employment goals.
