The MOST Spring/Summer 2021

| 31 CHAMPIONING FEMALES IN CONSTRUCTION As part of National Careers Week celebrations, Head of School for Construction and the Built Environment, Mark Taylor and Assistant Head of Adult Recruitment and Progression, Claire Woods, joined BBC Radio Lancashire’s mid-morning host, Sharon Hartley, to discuss the brand new, female multiskills course which sits alongside the wider construction offer. The course, has been developed in response to customer feedback, as Assistant Head of Recruitment and Progression, Claire, explains: “A key part of the adult recruitment process here at Preston’s College is ensuring that all adults receive tailored advice and guidance prior to starting a course, ensuring the chosen programme is the right course for each individual. In those discussions, re-occurring themes from female applicants occurred, particularly around confidence and knowledge. The decision to provide a female only group allows the College to provide an environment where those individuals will thrive.” She added: “It is important to stress that this is not the only option for female applicants, we have, for many years, offered a successful mixed multiskills group, this addition simply provides more choice, in response to customer demand.” Mark Taylor, Head of School for Construction and the Built Environment noted: “It will come as no surprise to many that only 1 in 8 Construction vacancies are filled by females. To encourage more women into the sector, we have to start with education and this is where the female multiskills programme fits. It provides a platform for progression, for those who successfully complete, in their chosen trade area and equally provides a great introduction to a range of basic construction skills for those simply hoping to learn more and improve their DIY abilities.” | 30