Jobs for the girls

More than 500 girls from schools across the eastern region attended the WiCed (Women into Construction and Engineering) event, held for the third year running in Bedford on Friday 5 February. Watch the video below to hear female students talk at the event:

Women of all ages, from those still at school to those who want a career change, took part in practical activities including plumbing and thatching. They were able to talk to professionals from the industry about the opportunities available, receiving advice and guidance from experts about getting started on a career for life. 

Mel Chalkly and Sandra Edwards, joined Bedford College to put their ideas for a new business into action. They now run their own successful interior design and painting and decorating business, Pink Ladders.   Exhibiting at WiCed gave them the opportunity to speak to women about careers in their industry. They said:

“We want to encourage girls and women to get into the trade and there are so many industries here today from bricklaying to planning and surveying. This is a great way to find out about careers in Construction and Engineering.

“The women of today should be able to feel confident about joining what have been male dominated industries in the past.  

“We both studied at Bedford College and have a love of colour and design that we bring to our clients.  It is hard work setting up a new business and you need the combination of qualifications and experience. Apprenticeships are an excellent way of gaining that experience.

“If we can get one message across to women today it would be:  Work hard, be positive, determined and focused.  You can have a successful and interesting career in Construction and Engineering.”

WiCed, an initiative of ConstructionSkills, was delivered in partnership with Bedford College and key partners including Aim Higher, Barnfield College, Bedfordshire & Luton Education Business Partnership (BLEBP), Institute of Structural Engineers, Construction, Constructing Excellence, Construction Industry Council, Construction Training Ltd and Train 4 Trade Skills.

Warren Edwards, Director for Technology and Construction at Bedford College, said:

“We need to redress inequalities of women working in the Construction and Engineering industry and by training women in construction and engineering skills we can do that. There are fantastic career opportunities in these industries which include traditional craft trades and highly paid professions such as construction management, architecture and surveying, aero, mechanical and electrical/electronic engineering.  Women are in demand in the modern world and help to build and sustain the world of today and the future through science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) skills.  Many will have studied at Bedford College.

“Bedford College is at the forefront of sustainability and renewable energy technologies.  We offer courses spanning from traditional skills to those embracing the latest renewable and sustainable technologies and have developed many partnerships in this growing industry.  

“As more people become aware of the need to conserve energy there will be more demand for these new technologies. We provide the courses so that industry is ready to meet that demand.”