Equal Opportunities Commission targets construction

Construction, engineering and plumbing are three of five sectors being studied as part of the Equal Opportunities Commission's (EOC) nationwide inquiry into young people's job choices and the barriers they can face getting the jobs they want.

No more 'jobs for the boys' or 'jobs for the girls' focuses on modern apprenticeships and will explore the relationship between gender segregation in training and at work, and skills and pay gaps.

The initial investigation finishes in December and will also survey all 47 Learning and Skills Councils, the funding organisations for Modern Apprenticeships, to identify how choice and equality are promoted by the system.

In 2004 the inquiry will examine the effectiveness of current initiatives to challenge stereotyped choices and carry out qualitative research, including focus groups, with young people, employers and training providers.