Lewisham College, in partnership with ESG, hosted a competition at its specialised Deptford Bridge Campus to honour International Women's Day 2024. The event spotlighted the remarkable contributions of women in the construction industry, empowering more women and young girls to consider and pursue a career in the sector.
The event featured a competition that showcased the skills of women apprentices and tradeswomen specialising in electrical installation and plumbing disciplines. The skilled participants demonstrated their expertise, resilience, and determination in working towards completing an industry-standard brief within a time limit. Qualified professionals from the electrical and plumbing sectors judged the finished entry pieces thoroughly.
A key event moment was hearing from the competition winners, who shared their insights on the significance of apprenticeships in empowering women in the construction industry. Their testimonies emphasised the pivotal role of mentorship, support networks, and access to training opportunities to enable women to excel and access employment opportunities in traditionally male-dominated fields.
On the day, the contestants and learners from the College also had the opportunity to meet and network with Vicky Foxtrot, Member of Parliament for Lewisham and Deptford and representatives from construction sector employers, including ESG, YESSS Electrical, Geberit Fittings, VP plc, Monument Tools, HSS Training and CT1.
The event concluded with an awards ceremony for the electrical installation and plumbing categories. The winners received professional-quality equipment and tools to help them prepare for their careers in the trades.
The event underscored the importance of initiatives that promote gender diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. It highlighted the potential for organisations to drive progress and reshape the construction industry's future by providing women with equal opportunities for skill development and career advancement.
To learn more about the Construction and Engineering courses offered at Lewisham College, visit lewisham.ac.uk/construction.
