Partner Article

Six female trainees heading for construction success

A local organisation set up to increase diversity in apprenticeships is celebrating after is successfully helped six female trainees on their way into the construction industry.

Newcastle UXL has been working on the initiative since January 2011, and has already had strong success in helping minority groups into apprenticeship schemes.

However, this group was particularly unique for the UXL team, as the initial group of starts grew from two to six when the girls told their friends.

The girls have now begun training at Direct Constriction Skills in the West End of Newcastle, and are completing courses preparing them for jobs in several areas of construction, including painting and decorating, plastering and joinery.

Daniel Aldridge from Newcastle UXL commented: “I am so impressed with the commitment and ambition of the girls, construction is a hard industry to break into as a female and I know they have what it takes to be really successful in their future careers.

“Newcastle UXL is committed to breaking down the barriers to apprenticeships and the passion of these girls is a testimony to how important it is that businesses open their doors to a more diverse workforce.”

John Bailey, their tutor from Direct Construction Skills added: “All of the girls have shown a real commitment to training in construction and they are a breath of fresh air!

All six are now focussed on a career in the construction industry, and are now looking for apprenticeships, especially in painting and decorating.

One of the apprentices Samantha Wilkinson said: “I really enjoy working on practical projects and learning about the different skills and areas of construction; I hope I can secure an apprenticeship to let me continue in the construction industry.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .