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Bradford’s biggest social housing landlord is hosting a major three-day event next month to encourage more women and young people to take up careers in construction.

The Women into Construction event will take place in a giant marquee in the city’s Centenary Square between 13-15 October and has been organised by propertysolutions – part of the Incommunities group - in association with its construction partners, Wates Living Space. It is being backed by ConstructionSkills - the Sector Skills Council for the construction industry.

It will include exhibition stands where visitors can meet building professionals, thematic zones and workshops where people can get a hands-on taster of different trade skills such as bricklaying, joinery and decorating.

The event will mainly target Year 10 and 11 students and so far over 30 local secondary schools say they will be bringing students interested in construction careers. Later on each day the event will be opened up to the wider public.

It is the latest initiative to be taken by propertysolutions to address areas of under-representation locally in the sector particularly amongst women. Over the last two years these have included ‘taster days’ for female students and a teacher awareness day to promote construction careers with the help of staff in schools.

These initiatives have played a big part in the successful recruitment of more women into the Incommunities trade apprenticeship programme. Over a quarter of the organisation’s apprentices are female learning different trades including joinery, painting and decorating and plumbing.

Delroy Beverley, Director of Incommunities – propertysolutions said: “This event aims to challenge and address areas of under representation in the construction sector particularly amongst women and encourage them to take a serious look at the many career opportunities. We want to show that the building trade isn’t just for boys but is equally open to girls!"

"Incommunities approach is one that recognises that there is no better way of investing in communities and young people's development than to strengthen the hands of those who will effectively be doing the work that needs to be done in the future."

"The event will bring together a host of leading industry players including construction firms, suppliers, Bradford College and ConstructionSkills who together share a commitment to invest in young people and talented individuals across our communities."

“It will also build on Incommunities growing links with local schools as part of our ‘boardroom to the playground’ campaign to reach young people from across the district and beyond.”

Joanne Jamieson, Business Unit Director for Wates Living Space, said: "There are many worthwhile and fulfilling career roles available in construction. In conjunction with our partners Incommunities, we feel that it is our responsibility to raise awareness and encourage more women to grasp the diverse range of opportunities that are available within the sector."

Richard Wadkin, Recruitment and Careers Advisor at ConstructionSkills said: “ConstructionSkills is delighted to support this event to encourage young people to look at the career rewards available to them in the construction industry. ConstructionSkills is wholly committed to working with local partners to increase the number of women working within the construction industry and deliver the wide skills base that is required.“

Upper schools and businesses that would like to take part in the event should call 01274 257498.