PfP Thrive is launching a new free programme in Derby this September aimed at helping more women build rewarding careers in housing and construction and address the significant gender imbalance across the trades.
The BuildHer programme, designed for women living in social housing across Derby, will provide hands-on trade experiences, mentoring from women already working in the industry, free work experience and a chance to explore potential career pathways into apprenticeship and employment opportunities.
Despite ongoing skills shortages across the construction sector, CITB data shows women currently represent just 1-2% of site-based skilled trades workers and 14-15% of all construction workers. BuildHer has been developed to help break down barriers, challenge perceptions and create clearer routes for women interested in exploring careers in electrical, carpentry, plumbing, plastering and tiling trades.
Women interested in taking part in the programme are encouraged to register their interest now ahead of the September launch. No previous trade experience is required, making the programme accessible to anyone looking to explore a new career path.
Tom Arey, Managing Director of PfP Thrive, said:
“The housing and construction industry offers fantastic career opportunities, but women remain significantly underrepresented in many skilled trades. BuildHer is about changing that by giving women the confidence, practical experience and support they need to take their first steps into the industry.
“Whether someone is considering a complete career change, returning to work, or exploring new opportunities for the future, we want them to know there is a place for them in the trades. Through BuildHer, we’re creating a supportive environment where women can learn new skills, meet role models and explore genuine pathways into apprenticeships and employment.
“I’d encourage any woman who has ever been curious about a trade career to register their interest. You don’t need any previous experience, just a willingness to give it a go and discover where the opportunity could lead.”
The launch of BuildHer builds on PfP Thrive’s wider commitment to inspiring the next generation of housing and construction professionals.
During the summer holidays, 60 pupils from Murray Park School, UTC Derby and Littleover Community School were welcomed to the PfP Thrive Derby skills centre for a series of free trade taster days. The sessions gave Year 9, 10 and 11 students the opportunity to gain practical experience across electrical, carpentry and plumbing, alongside guidance on apprenticeship routes and careers.
The days were designed to give young people direct, practical experience of skilled trades at a time of growing concern about youth disengagement and rising NEET figures nationally – and to open career routes that many pupils might not otherwise have considered.
Jen Radcliffe, Head of Partnerships at PfP Thrive, said:
“Creating a more diverse workforce requires action at every stage of the talent pipeline. Alongside our work with schools and young people, BuildHer is an important step towards ensuring more women feel confident about pursuing trade careers.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming women from across Derby this September, giving them the opportunity to try the trades for themselves and discover the range of opportunities available within the industry.
“If you’ve ever wondered whether a trade career could be right for you, BuildHer offers the perfect opportunity to find out in a supportive and welcoming environment.”
The pilot of BuildHer has been funded by PfP Thrive’s social value partner Novus Property Solutions and begins in September. The five-week long programme will cover a range of trades including plumbing, carpentry, plastering and tiling, customer service in housing before then concluding with a work placement in October.