Whilst the construction sector has experienced significant growth in the past few years, women continue to be under-represented and still make up a small proportion of the workforce.

The ‘Jobs 4 the Girls’ Project, funded by the European Social Fund through the Learning and Skills Council, is run by Oxford Women’s Training at Oxford and Cherwell Valley College. Commencing in June 2006 and continuing until July 2008, this presents an opportunity to expand the workforce, widen participation and address the current gender imbalance.

Leadbitter are extremely pleased to be working with the ‘Jobs 4 the Girls’ Project, supporting the project by offering placements to the learners, which is a central and important part of the Project. Learner Helen Hehir completed her work experience placement with us, spending time with Roy Sutton, Site Manager at our Didcot Girls School scheme.

Helen commented “It was an excellent course and an opportunity that wouldn’t have been open to me 25 years ago. I got a real overview of construction including quantity surveying and project management”.