News release: Building a better future for women

Abstract

Few women choose to work in construction, yet the industry still needs to recruit and
retain 74,000 new people each year, for the next five years, and can no longer ignore
such a key sector of the workforce. With this in mind, the University of Central
Lancashire in Preston is opening its doors to a group of young women who may be the
designers, engineers, roofers and joiners of the future.
In a joint initiative with the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and the
Construction Curriculum Centre at Preston College, a group of 30 female pupils from
local schools will be spending five days at the University, learning some of the tricks of
the trade. A full programme of activities will be laid on, with projects including the
construction of a 'tetrahedral cathedral' out of garden canes, elastic bands and card;
communication and leadership exercises taking place at the Preston Sports Arena; visits
to construction sites: and laboratory based work in the University's Department of Built
Environment. At the end of the week, the pupils will be giving a series of short
presentations detailing their week's activities and each of them wi11 receive a certificate
of attendance.
Throughout the week, the pupils will be given the opportunity to learn about the career
opportunities available for them within the industry.
Dr Andrew Platten, Head of Department of Built Environment says: "The construction
industry currently needs a high number of well qualified managers and engineers to
meet both its current and future needs. The industry requires both female and male
degree graduates. This programme offers a unique insight into the industry for school
pupils. It builds on a number of similar events and seeks to introduce some of the
essential team working skills for these students."
19 June 2003
nr060pc
-ends-
-Notes for editors follow-
Note for editors:
1. 'Professional Aspects of Construction' takes place from Monday 23 June to
Friday 27 June and is hosted by the Department of Built Environment,
University of Central Lancashire.
2. Participating schools include Our Ladies High School, Ribbleton Hall High
School, Preston
3. There will be a photo opportunity on Monday 23 June, in the Maudland Foyer,
at 3.00 pm, when the pupils will be building a tetrahedral cathedral and on
Tuesday 24 June, between 11.00 am and 3.00 am, at the Preston Sports Arena.
There may be further opportunities, when the pupils visit building sites, but
safety aspects must be considered. Please contact Pamela Culley, Media and
Public Relations, tel: 01772 894425, email pculley@uclan.ac.uk for more
information.