Rural Enterprise Skillnet: Women in Construction

The Challenge: Strengthening female participation in the construction sector

The construction industry has long been characterised by a gender imbalance, with women making up a small percentage of the workforce. However, Rural Enterprise Skillnet’s Women in Construction Programme is changing this narrative. The programme ensures participants are job-ready with the relevant skills, qualifications and experience to secure work in the sector.

Rural Enterprise Skillnet is a multi-sector business network for companies of all sizes in the Northwest. The network's mission is to strengthen businesses and the region through accessible upskilling programmes, which are designed to nurture existing talent and drive innovation. Collaborating with industry, the network designs, develops and delivers responsive, bespoke and flexible training courses to address the ongoing needs of businesses.

Rural Enterprise Skillnet recently launched our Women in Construction Programme following collaboration with our construction industry members. This impactful programme has opened the door for women in construction and boosted employment in the region by supporting local businesses. The future of construction in the Northwest looks bright
Brenda Donagher, Network Manager at Rural Enterprise Skillnet

About The Network

Rural Enterprise Skillnet is a multi sector business network for companies of all sizes in the North West Region. The network's mission is to strengthen businesses and the region through accessible upskilling programmes, which are designed to nurture existing talent and drive innovation.

Contact Person: Brenda Donagher
Email: manager@reskillnet.ie
Tel: 071 9858252

Solution: The Women in Construction Programme

The programme offers an opportunity for a new career path and provides essential skills and certification for women in the construction sector. All participants undertake a four-week work placement following the completion of a six-week training programme which will provide practical experience and the opportunity to showcase their newly acquired skills to potential employers.

The full-time, fully funded programme covers training topics such as Safepass, Working at Heights, Safety & Health at Roadworks and First Aid Responder skills amongst other elements.

Brenda Donagher, Network Manager at Rural Enterprise Skillnet, said the programme offers an inclusive and supportive journey for people seeking to explore the potential and benefits of working in an industry currently experiencing a skills shortage.

“Rural Enterprise Skillnet recently launched our Women in Construction Programme following collaboration with our construction industry members. This impactful programme has opened the door for women in construction and boosted employment in the region by supporting local businesses. The future of construction in the Northwest looks bright,” she said.

Trainee Perspectives

The participants of the programme have shared overwhelmingly positive feedback, each noting a unique aspect of the training that resonated with them.

Laila-Grace McBride praised the diversity of qualifications offered: “I would really recommend this programme to any woman of any age. You get 14 different qualifications over the six-weeks training period, and then you progress on to four weeks of work placement. My favourite bit of the course was the dumper training.”

Niamh Harkin echoed similar sentiments, appreciating the doors the programme has opened: “I really loved this programme as it’s given me so many opportunities to work in the construction industry. My favourite bit [of the training] was achieving the dumper ticket.”

Nicole Diggins emphasised the programme's significance for the Northwest region: “This is the first time the Women in Construction programme has been run. It has been a great success, particularly for those of us living in the Northwest. My favourite part of the course so far has been the Health and Safety IOSH (Institution of Occupational Safety and Health) training.”

Impact and Future Outlook

The Women in Construction Programme is not only empowering women but also addressing a critical skills gap in the construction industry, while ensuring that local businesses benefit from a skilled and diverse workforce. Furthermore, the initiative is reshaping perceptions around women’s roles in construction and fostering an inclusive environment for future generations.