FEMALE secondary school pupils from across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire have gained an insight into career opportunities in the construction industry during visits to developments under construction with the Stewart Milne Group.
Pupils from Mackie, Mearns, Northfield and St Machar academies visited Stewart Milne Homes North sites at Crathes and Stonehaven as part of a series of “not just for boys” events during Women into the Built Environment & Property Week, coordinated by Skills Development Scotland. The initiative aims to attract more female school leavers into the construction industry.
A total of 28 pupils participated in the visits, which included opportunities to meet women already enjoying careers with the Stewart Milne Group. The Group expects to create up to 250 new jobs this year and is keen to promote the wide range of careers available across its divisions.
Karen Catto, HR Director at Stewart Milne Group, said, “There has never been a better time for young women to consider careers in the construction industry, whether site-based or office-based. Their talents will be recognised and they will be respected and supported in the workplace. Jobs in the sector are available at all levels – straight from school, with a college qualification, as apprentices, or as graduates.
“The site visits at The Gardens at Crathes and Dunnottar Park in Stonehaven this week enabled us to showcase what’s involved in modern construction, the quality and safety of the working environment, the strong team ethos and the welfare facilities provided.”
Apprentice Quantity Surveyor Abbie Duthie joined the Stewart Milne Group in 2012 and was one of the employees who participated in the events. She has already completed an HNC in Quantity Surveying and is now studying for a BSc (Hons) degree while working for Stewart Milne Homes North.
“When I heard about the Quantity Surveying apprenticeship I wasn’t really looking for anything as I was still at school. But I knew I didn’t want to go to university straight from school – I wanted to work. So an apprenticeship was the perfect opportunity for me to do that. I do think it is something young people should keep in mind when they are deciding what they want to do,” explained Abbie.
