Training opportunities increase for tradeswomen

In the past eight years, Durkan has trained more than 200 women in manual trades through organisations such as WAMT, Building Work For Women and Women's Education in Building. This is in addition to the company's own apprentice programmes under which students are graduating in subjects such as carpentry, electrical engineering and joinery.

In light of the massive skills shortage in the UK construction industry, more tradeswomen are being given opportunities to work in construction-related jobs alongside men. Hazel Belfon, Paula Crotty and Esther Sealy were recruited through Women and Manuel Trades to work with Durkan and client Old Ford Housing Association, on the Tait Court development in Bow, London.

The women hope to qualify within their chosen fields in the coming months and to secure permanent employment for themselves within the construction industry.

Esther is a floor and wall tiler, Hazel is a carpenter and Paula is training to be a quality control co-ordinator. Esther says: "Women are now filling the void that has existed for many years on building sites. We've proved that we're as competent and capable as any man and I personally enjoy the camaraderie and teamwork on site.

"Durkan has shown consistent commitment to offering equal employment opportunities across all their sites and Paul has been fantastic in helping us settle into our new work environment."

Community liaison officer Paul McCrea co-ordinates the company's training and apprenticeship scheme and acts as a mentor for females, on and off site. As such, he is helping to establish principles of zero-tolerance to sexism and racism flexible working hours to benefit all workers and changing attitudes throughout the entire company that 'women can do the job'.

McCrea says: "Durkan recognises the contribution women make to the construction industry as exemplified by the outstanding work carried out by the three ladies working at the Ranwell Close site. Currently, women make up less than 10% of tradespeople in the construction industry, and Durkan is proud to play an active role in creating more opportunities for women in the sector."

Durkan's drive has been further encouraged by the amount of women who, in recent years, have become involved in its client companies.

Positively, more and more women are occupying positions on decision-making boards and are impressed by Durkan's efforts to increase equality for women in the workplace.

Durkan has now trained more than 200 women in manual trades.