ABOUT THE CASE STUDY.
MCS and Women in Property’s First Girls in Construction and Engineering Project.
Introduction
MCS, in collaboration with Women in Property South West and BristolWORKS, organised and executed their first Girls in Construction and Engineering (C&E) project at Orchard School in Bristol. This innovative initiative aimed to inspire and educate young girls about careers in construction and engineering.
Event overview
The first session of the Girls in C&E project took place at Orchard School, where 27 enthusiastic year 9 girls applied to participate. The afternoon was filled with engaging presentations and activities led by three inspiring women: Ele George, Kimberley Mason, and Nikki Caldwell. These professionals shared their expertise in building physics, sustainable buildings, material management, and acoustics, offering the students a comprehensive glimpse into the construction industry.
Employment Mentoring and Beyond
The session was a blend of educational content and personal storytelling. The girls learned not only about technical aspects of construction but also about the diverse career journeys, hobbies, and aspirations of the speakers. The discussions highlighted that construction wasn’t always the first career choice for everyone, emphasising the various pathways into the industry. The engagement and curiosity of the students were evident through their numerous questions, demonstrating a strong interest in the field.
One of the key messages conveyed during the session was the importance of sustainable building practices. Kimberley Mason, an expert in building physics, discussed how the future of construction lies in creating energyefficient and environmentally friendly structures. Ele George provided insights into material management, explaining how choosing the right materials can significantly impact both the cost and sustainability of a project. Nikki Caldwell captivated the audience with her knowledge of acoustics, illustrating how sound management is a crucial aspect of building design.
Future plans
The next session of the Girls in C&E project is scheduled for 13th June, promising to build on the momentum of the first event. Future sessions will continue to feature industry professionals, offering hands-on activities and more in-depth discussions about various aspects of construction and engineering.
Challenges and industry context
The UK construction industry has seen an encouraging trend, with 37% of new entrants from higher education being women and 14% of construction industry professionals being female. Despite these gains, misconceptions about gender-specific roles persist. There is still much work to be done to dismantle the stereotypes that discourage women from pursuing careers in construction and engineering.
MCS and Women in Property are dedicated to breaking these stereotypes and attracting more females to the industry through initiatives like the Girls in C&E project. By partnering with schools and organisations like BristolWORKS, we are taking proactive steps to create a more inclusive environment.
