Finding out that the construction industry is open for all – not just males – was the order of the day for over 20 Year 9 pupils from schools across Devon who attended the Women in Construction event last week at Exeter College.

Challenging many misperceptions of the industry, Exeter College construction teaching staff and existing female construction students, showed the pupils, all girls aged 13 and 14, from Honiton Community College, Cullompton College, West Exe and Southbrook, the broad variety of study and career options open to them.

In a series of workshops they were treated to taster sessions in everything from brickwork and carpentry and joinery to professional careers such as surveying.

They were also given a tour of Exeter College's Construction facilities at the faculty's Sowton-based skills training centre. Presented with certificates at the end of their visit, prizes were then awarded to those who performed best over the three subjects experienced.

The event, organised through the Devon Education Business Partnership aims to provide an enjoyable experience so that some of the girls may feel inspired to take up construction as a career at all levels.

Now in its eleventh year, Chris Whitaker, Head of the Construction faculty, said: “While there are more women going into construction now than perhaps a decade ago, there are still not enough. Female employees do very well within the construction industry. This may be either working on building sites, in households, or for large construction organisations as part of their design or management teams, covering topics such as quantity surveying, structural engineering, or site management. It was great to see female students already here studying, who are not much older than the visitors today acting as ambassadors for Women into Construction and offering them such positive encouragement and support.

“We hope this extremely popular event has stimulated the young pupils' interest in construction and will enable them to make more informed decisions about their future education and careers.”