GRAHAM is hoping to inspire more women to consider construction careers through its ConstructHER programme.
With females making up just 15% of the UK construction workforce, the group said the initiative is designed to inspire and support young women in exploring careers in the sector. The programme offers hands-on experience, professional mentoring, and clear pathways into apprenticeships.
Two young women, Holly (16) and Niamh (16), have already benefited from the programme, which runs from January to May, and introduces participants to a range of roles across the sector, from technical positions to project management.
Holly, an S5 student with a passion for maths, discovered quantity surveying through ConstructHER and found the perfect career path. Studying Higher English, maths, geography, and physics, she was eager to apply her skills in a practical setting.
Holly said, “I really enjoy maths and wanted a job where I could apply it daily. When I heard about quantity surveying through ConstructHER, I knew it was the right fit for me.”
The programme provided her with industry exposure, including health and safety training, sustainability initiatives, and a visit to Glasgow Caledonian University, one of GRAHAM’s graduate apprenticeship partners. Following a successful interview, she has been accepted into GRAHAM’s apprenticeship programme and will begin working as an admin assistant in July while studying for an HNC in quantity surveying at City of Glasgow College. Upon completing her course, Holly will progress into the commercial department as a trainee quantity surveyor, with the opportunity to continue her development through a degree-level qualification.
For Niamh, construction was not an obvious career choice at first. An S5 student with a passion for design, she is studying Higher design and manufacture, graphics, and Advanced Higher art. Initially unaware of the variety of roles in construction, she found a passion for design management through ConstructHER.
Niamh said, “I originally thought construction was just about bricklaying and scaffolding. But when I worked with the design management team, I realised there was so much more to it. It really caught my interest.”
Her experience – including site visits and practical training – gave her a new appreciation for the construction industry. This led her to successfully interview for GRAHAM’s apprenticeship programme, where she has now secured employment.
Debbie Rutherford, head of social impact and support services at GRAHAM Building North, said, “We want to show young women that construction is a viable and exciting career path. Holly and Niamh’s success demonstrates just how valuable programmes like ConstructHER can be. The industry needs fresh talent, and we’re committed to providing opportunities that support and nurture young women looking to build their futures here.”
