Galliford Try pilots mentoring scheme for next generation of women in construction

Galliford Try is proud to announce that it has launched a new mentoring scheme aimed at encouraging the next generation of women into construction.

The business has teamed up with five schools in the East Midlands region to pilot a three-year programme where students will be paired with women mentors who will showcase the vast and rewarding opportunities in the sector.

Individuals on the programme will benefit from upskilling their communication skills for the workplace, career matching to their interests, and guidance with CV writing and interviewing. They will gain valuable insights into construction alongside STEM activities and teamwork.

The final year will culminate in career pathways into Galliford Try itself, where individuals can choose a role they are interested in, and be supported with preparation for interviews to kickstart their careers with Galliford Try.

Commenting on the programme, Vikki Skene said: “While women make up 51% of the UK population, they make up only 15% of people employed by the construction industry, and 23% of Galliford Try’s workforce.

Barriers to entry for women and girls include misconceptions around what working in construction entails, the variety of roles and disciplines on offer, the competitive salaries and rewards, the ability to be flexible with working arrangements throughout someone’s career and a lack of role models who have similar experiences to them.

“By introducing our Mentoring the Next Generation Programme, we aim to break down these barriers, demonstrating a hugely fulfilling, rewarding and flexible career with a variety of roles available that girls and young women may not yet know are possibilities for them in an environment that enables them to be successful.

“As a people-orientated progressive employer, with numerous accolades for being a great place for early careers, we’re in a privileged position to showcase construction and we hope to inspire and attract the next generation of women into our industry.”