GLASGOW Kelvin College is reporting a ‘notable increase’ in the number of women applying for construction training.
The organisation is marking Scottish Apprenticeship Week by highlighting the role colleges are playing in widening access to traditionally male-dominated industries.
The college, which supports more than 1,200 apprentices this academic year, says targeted outreach and the use of platforms such as TikTok to showcase workshop life have helped shift perceptions around who construction careers are for.
A behind-the-scenes workshop video shared on the college’s TikTok channel earlier this year helped prospective students see what training looks like, with many female applicants citing social media as the first time they had pictured themselves in a construction setting.
That visibility supported the development of Glasgow Kelvin College’s Women into Construction course, a pre-apprenticeship course designed to give people the opportunity to try different trades before applying for further study.
Since its introduction, more women have progressed into core disciplines including carpentry & joinery, bricklaying, painting & decorating and multi-trades, alongside apprenticeship pathways.
Holly Thomas, a student on the Women into Construction course, said, “Before starting the course, I didn’t think construction was something I could see myself doing. Seeing other women in the workshops and having that supportive environment made a huge difference. It gave me the confidence to try things I never thought I’d be capable of, and now I’m seriously considering moving into a construction apprenticeship.”
The focus on widening access comes as demand for skilled trades continues across Scotland, particularly in building services disciplines such as heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration.
Joanna Campbell, principal of Glasgow Kelvin College, added, “Scottish Apprenticeship Week gives us the opportunity to showcase the breadth of apprenticeship provision and the impact it has on Scotland’s economy. We are proud to support more than 1,200 apprentices this year across sectors that are critical to future growth.
“As a trusted provider and national leader in building services and HVACR, we are directly supporting the skills pipeline required to meet net zero ambitions. At the same time, widening access remains a priority. Using digital platforms to show the reality of workshop learning has helped challenge outdated perceptions and encouraged more women to consider careers in construction.”
Tracy Burns, who led the development of the Women into Construction course, said, “Construction is still heavily male-dominated and that can feel like a barrier before someone even applies. By creating a dedicated starting point and using social media to show what training actually looks like, we are helping women picture themselves in these roles. Confidence is key. When students move into mixed classes or apprenticeships, they are better prepared and more assured in their abilities. A more balanced workforce benefits the whole industry.”
