From education to employment

Women In Construction

Derby College is bringing together leading women who work in the construction industry for an event to inspire students to follow their lead.

The event will be held at the Roundhouse on Wednesday March 8 which is International Women’s Day and part of National Apprenticeship Week.

Students from across the College, including those in Construction, Professional Construction and Engineering, will be attending the event.

Invitations have been sent to schools across the city and county to join taster sessions of Construction courses available at the College’s Roundhouse and Ilkeston campuses.

Derby College Head of Construction Tracey Hutchinson explained: “The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day is ‘Be Bold for Change’ in a bid to forge a more inclusive, gender-equal world.

“We wanted to focus on a gender-equal workplaces. Construction is traditionally regarded as a male-dominated industry but we hope that, by bringing together some of women who have already made their mark in the industry, we will inspire young women to follow their lead.”

Among the speakers at the event will be Rebecca Hartshorn who is Bid Manager for John Sisk & Son, part of the international Sisk Group.

Ms Hartshorn has reached the finals in the Women in Construction Awards this year, having previously been a finalist in 2014 and 2016 and, last year, was awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) in recognition for her services to skills and industry and is a member of the Construction Industry Training Board.

She has been heavily involved in the Professional Construction Employment and Skills Board at Derby College which brings together employers to help shape the curriculum and provide mentoring and work experience opportunities for students.

The speakers at the event will also include Sophie Bancroft, Apprenticeship Development Manager at Derby Homes who started work as an apprentice and is now in charge of the extensive programme at the organisation.

All the speakers will talk about their careers, highlight the different job opportunities within the construction industry and take part in a question and answer panel.

Derby College Deputy Principal Employer and Economic Affairs, April Hayhurst, concluded: “We are very fortunate to work with a wide range of local, regional and national construction employers who are committed to supporting our students through their vocational programmes in a number of ways.

“Many of our industry links are inspirational women who have forged successful careers in the industry and we are delighted that they will be coming together to highlight opportunities to the workforce of the future at this event.”


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