Building Confidence, One Skill at a Time: Women in Construction
Our Multi-Skilled Property Maintenance Programme for Women, delivered through the Elevate Salford programme, was an 8-week course aimed at empowering women with practical construction skills while addressing the unique challenges they face in accessing training.
Running at Peel Green Construction Skills Centre, session times were adapted around school drop-offs and holidays, helping to make learning accessible for women with childcare responsibilities.
The course generated significant interest, with 45 enquiries, demonstrating strong demand for women-focused construction training. The workshop accommodated 8 participants, of whom 7 completed the full programme.
The sessions were led by Gary, Director at Frameworks Social Enterprise, who used a participant-led approach. While a learning framework was in place, women were encouraged to choose what they wanted to learn, boosting engagement and confidence.
Skills and Training
Over 8 weeks, participants learned practical construction skills including:
- Plastering
- Studding
- Brick slips
- Fitting doors and windows
All participants earned Health & Safety certificates and CSCS cards, ensuring they gained industry-recognised qualifications. Participants also had the opportunity to practice skills at home, reinforcing their learning and providing practical, confidence-building experience.
Support Beyond Construction
The course also focused on broader employability skills:
- CV support provided by Kirsty and Karin
- Guest speaker session on self-employment opportunities
- Access to interview clothing through Working Wardrobe
- Ongoing interview support for all participants
Additionally, our team provided a selection of tools to each participant, addressing a common barrier to entering construction. Tools were sourced from previous courses and supplemented by Elevate Salford funding.
Participant Experience and Pathways to Employment
Chelsea’s Story
Chelsea transitioned from a career in care to construction with the support of Elevate Salford. After stepping away from work due to health issues.
The programme boosted her confidence, wellbeing, and employability, and has already opened doors to employment opportunities in property repairs, setting her on a clear path toward a long-term career as a multiskilled repair worker.
Jelena’s Story
Jelena, a qualified professional with a passion for DIY, became involved in Elevate’s women-only property maintenance course while renovating her own home. She joined to gain confidence, practical skills, and knowledge of safe working practices.
Despite past challenges with age and gender discrimination and back issues, Jelena found a supportive, relaxed environment where she built skills, confidence, and lasting friendships. The programme has empowered her to tackle DIY projects safely and opened doors for future opportunities.
The course fostered a supportive environment where women from different backgrounds could learn together:
Lisa:
“I didn’t know where to start with anything like this, we were never introduced to tools as young women. Feel incredibly blessed to have been on the course. Walked into a room with strangers and it feels like we’ve known each other our whole lives.”
Lisa now works three days per week in Facilities Management and has been able to save money by applying her new skills at home.
Camilla:
“Lots of us are stuck at home with kids and don’t have a chance to try new things. I’ve learnt loads of new skills.”
Two participants living in ‘ForHousing’ homes were connected with property maintenance work experience, giving them a chance to apply their skills in real-world settings and potentially progress to employment.
Outcomes and Impact
- 7 women completed the course
- All participants achieved H&S certification and CSCS cards
- 1 participant secured employment
- Increased confidence and practical skills
- Access to tools and ongoing support
- Networking and peer support within a female-focused environment
The Elevate Salford Women in Construction course successfully addressed both practical and social barriers to women entering construction, providing them with skills, qualifications, and support that open doors to employment, self-employment, and increased confidence in everyday life. By combining hands-on training with participant-led learning, the course fostered empowerment, community, and tangible outcomes for all involved.
Made possible thanks to
