RHP's Skills Academy builds opportunities for women in construction
London housing provider RHP Group has hosted a special ‘Women in construction lunch’, to help build opportunities in the construction industry for their female tenants.
According to the Office of National Statistics, only 15% of the UK construction workforce is female, demonstrating the need for initiatives like this to help improve gender equality within the industry.
At the event, which was run in partnership with their repairs partner Kier Places, attendees heard from inspiring women in the industry, learnt about the skills needed and the best pathways to take, and had time for valuable networking opportunities.
RHP’s training partner Build Training also had a presence at the event, sharing experience and advice.
Tangible outcomes of the event include attendees signing up for apprenticeship and training opportunities, which will help them ultimately gain employment in the construction industry.
Sarah Thomas, chief executive at RHP Group, said: “I’m really proud of this initiative and the positive platform it’s providing for our customers. As part of our commitment to inclusion, we want to work with our partners to break down barriers in construction, as well as empowering women to take the first step towards a long and fulfilling career in the industry. Thank you to Kier Places for co-sponsoring the event and to Build Training for also getting involved.”
Claire Kershaw, regional director at Kier Places, said: “It was fantastic to help arrange such an important event, and to meet so many women who are considering a career in construction. I love this sector and know how much experience and insight women bring to it. Particularly with the skills shortage that we’re all facing, it’s essential that we’re active in engaging fresh talent, and addressing the barriers that women may have to building a career in construction is vital to that process.”
This initiative is part of RHP's Skills Academy, which aims to establish a direct connection between customers and the construction of homes within the community. As well as the Women in construction programme, the Academy has also recently run a Youth Construction initiative, a Support Work in Schools course for parents, and various DIY training.
Last year RHP’s Skills Academy ran 11 different courses, supporting nearly 100 local people to gain vital employability skills. Nearly 50% of RHP customers who took part in one of these courses, went onto gain employment or further education directly as a result.