INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
female bus drivers were a novelty – even today, I am (for one second) surprised when I get on board a bus to a female driver. I want to see this for tradeswomen and women in construction generally. HAVE THERE BEEN ANY STANDOUT MOMENTS? Honestly, there have been many peaks and troughs over the last 11 years. I suppose that is to be expected. One of the highlights was the launch of our #notjustforboys programme and campaign in 2019 – a concerted effort, supported by CITBNI and the NIHE to provide programmes to encourage girls to consider careers in construction. This is a brilliant programme and campaign, and already we can see the pipeline of girls coming through, currently acting as ambassadors to bring younger girls on. I’m also thinking of the opening of WOMEN’STEC Newry in 2022. This happened with the support of local contractor CTS. Since then, we have been able to roll out our service delivery to women and girls across the Newry, Mourne and Down area. On a day-to-day basis, many women come across our doors and participate in DIY, Joinery, Plumbing or the many other programmes. Their head is often bowed as they walk in for the first time and I love when I see them a few weeks later walking out the door with a smile on their face, a spring in their step and their head held high. They have learned skills, grown in confidence and are ready to tackle tasks they never thought they could. I am very fortunate to do what I do. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO A GIRL CONSIDERING A CAREER IN CONSTRUCTION? Every time I go on a site visit or attend a ‘Girls into Construction’ day, I’m still blown away. I always think, ‘Why did I not know about this when I was younger?’ I listen to people talk about how the “It is good for companies to take one day out of 365 days to acknowledge their female workers but also important that this support continues the other 364 days of the year too.”
L-R: Claire King, #NotJustForBoys Coordinator, Amy Nolan, Communications Officer, Helen Kerr, Head of Business Development, and Lynn Carvill, CEO.
WOMEN’STEC activities include outreach with local schools through the #NotJustForBoys programme.
opportunities are amazing—travel, variety, great pay, flexibility. If you have a trade, you have a trade for life. You can work for a few years, take a career break, and always come back - it’s just a great skill to have. For any girls considering a career in construction, contact us at WOMEN’STEC. We can help, both by giving you a chance to try it out but also to find work experience and apprenticeship opportunities with our fabulous #NotJustForBoys Champions. WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY? In the past I was involved in organising many and varied events to celebrate International Women’s Day. It is an important day in the calendar to provide a focus on women’s contribution in every aspect of life and to celebrate this. However, in reality,
every day is important for women. It is good for companies to take one day out of 365 days to acknowledge their female workers but also important that this support continues the other 364 days of the year too. WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR FREE TIME? I enjoy time with my husband and two daughters. My creative outlet happens through knitting (of all things) – over Covid, I created a range of finely-crafted hats and scarves branded as Average Jo, selling these with all the money going to foodbanks. I’ve also recently discovered weightlifting – don’t know if this is a serotonin or endorphins release, but I love it! 29 Chichester Avenue, Belfast BT15 5EH T: +44 (0)28 9074 9810 E: info@womenstec.org www.womenstec.org
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