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We are advocates of diversity in the workplace.

Gender diversity is an integral part of what we believe in and and it shows in the actions that we take. With only 12% of females in construction, the majority of those in support type roles; we are actively working to close this gap.

Our training is open equally to both women and men. We believe that our training is the perfect way for employers to boost their gender diversity and to consider the value that such qualifications can bring.

Our community work at grass roots level in secondary schools, is designed to inspire both young males and females alike into the construction industry.

Together we can strengthen gender diversity and assist women in gaining the qualifications they need to excel in any work environment.

What Gender Diversity mean to us:

  • Actively promoting qualifications for women with existing clients.

  • Grass roots talks to young women to inspire a career in construction.

  • Equal opportunities, regardless of gender, amongst all job roles within construction.

Some of our proudest moments

Claire McGhie

Engineer

I am currently a trainee engineer with my employer. I joined them as a school leaver and have worked on a variety of different projects where I have gained experience and expanded my knowledge of the construction process. In addition, I am currently undertaking a degree on a part time basis at university.

I recently completed an SVQ with AVQ Management through the Modern Apprenticeship programme funded by Skills Development Scotland. This process required me to apply the experience I have gained on site and the knowledge I have gained at university. As a result, I have gained a valuable and well recognised Vocational Qualification – which qualifies me for the Gold Supervisor’s CSCS Card.

Whilst there are still higher numbers of men than women in the construction industry, I would highly recommend it as a career for women. No two days are the same – it is challenging, exciting and rewarding.

Lorraine Gray

Senior Estimator

When I joined the construction industry in the 1980’s as an apprentice estimator, it would be true to say that female workers in professional roles were few and far between. Whilst there are more women in the industry now than then, it would be great if women saw this as realistic career option.

Over the last 30 years I have worked for a number of different companies on many different projects. I have worked in small and large teams. My role requires me to work with and manage people from different backgrounds such as architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, project managers.

I recently completed a Level 11 SVQ with AVQ Management that will allow me to gain full Chartered Membership of the Chartered Institute of Building. This high level qualification was gained by demonstrating the considerable experience I have gained in my career to an assessor who helped guide me through the process.

Claire Anderson

Community Benefits Manager

Part of my role is to engage with and encourage young women to consider the construction industry as a possible career option.

One recent initiative that I led was called ‘Ready, Steady, Girls Construct’. This was a 10-week programme where we worked with a school in Glasgow and took a number of their 3rd year girls on to a programme where they gained experience on various aspects of the construction process. One week they were learning about brickwork, another they were shadowing our site management team.

A key part of this programme involved the input of AVQ Management where they provided training in Health and Safety in the Construction Environment to the girls. This took place in the school one week and on site another. The girls were encouraged to participate in discussion and at the end sat an SQA exam.

At the end of the 10-week programme, several of the girls have now intimated that they would seriously consider a career in construction.