On Friday 5th April 2019 Exeter College invited 60 year 8 & 9 girls from local schools including Cullompton Community College, Paignton Community College and Dawlish Community College and St. Peters High School, to celebrate Exeter College’s Annual Women in Construction Day.

The event which has been running since 2004, when the faculty of Construction relocated to Sowton, has been growing in popularity each year and was oversubscribed again this year. With the morning sessions for out of Exeter Schools being fully booked leaving several schools disappointed at not being able to attend.

During the day the students were able to take part in several activities and workshops including Carpentry and Joinery, Painting and Decorating, Electrical and Professional Studies.

The event is important for promoting various pathways and opportunities available to them for the future and to breakdown the stigma of industries previously dominated by their male counterparts.

Industrial partners also supported the day providing expertise and resources, these included; Willmott Dixon, Mace Construction and current Level 3 Professional Studies Advanced Apprentices Lizzy Brayley (Sisk Rail) Ciara Burden (Persimmon Homes).

Head of Construction at Exeter College, Rob Woodger said: “Hosting an event like this we hope to highlight the many pathways and career choices that are available to everyone. It’s an opportunity for young people to leave their comfort zone and try something they wouldn’t have thought of before.

Olivia, aged 13, from Paignton Community College, said: “I wanted to come today because I’m interested in interior design. They have good facilities here at the college and I think it has been really good to see them. It’s good to have an event like this because construction is often thought of as not a girl thing”.

Exeter College offers a range of courses in various areas of Construction at various levels. For more information or to apply click here.