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.
“Jade has led the way throughout the Women Construct Wales project with her enthusiasm and hard work and is testament to what can be achieved. She has shown that with the right attitude it is possible to overcome barriers and make positive life improvements. We’re thrilled that Jade is now joining the Cii team and look forward to seeing her support others along similar journeys.”
Background
Referred into the project by Bridgend County Borough Council’s Communities4Work programme during September 2019, Jade was keen to learn new skills that would support her progression into a career in construction.
Having previously completed a Level 2 Diploma in Plumbing, Jade was keen to transfer this knowledge into the workplace and expand her skill-set and improve her self-confidence in order to become more employable.
However, as a single mother of two young children, Jade had found it difficult to secure further learning opportunities or employment that allowed her to appropriately balance her responsibilities. The flexibility of the Women Construct Wales project would allow her to develop her skills whilst striking a home-life balance that worked for all involved.
Journey
Taking part in the first Women Construct Wales project in Neath, Jade attended daily from Monday to Friday whilst her children were in school.
Jade quickly showed herself to be a very capable and conscientious member of the Women Construct Wales group, listening intently to our project tutors whilst demonstrating a high-level of understanding and skills.
Jade attended the project for its entirety, developing new skills in plastering, tiling, kitchen/bathroom fitting, carpentry and painting & decorating, whilst improving her plumbing skills.
Not only did Jade develop new skills, her confidence grew with her ability, whilst she successfully obtained her CSCS card, funded through the project.
Next Steps
Throughout the Women Construct Wales project, Jade demonstrated an ongoing willingness to learn, improve herself and support others to learn.
As such, during February 2020 the Community Impact Initiative employed Jade as a Trainee Project Tutor! In her new role Jade will support other women to learn construction skills through the project, offering her guidance, support and advice to women pursuing employment in construction.
Congratulations Jade!
