Anglesey schoolgirls learn construction’s technical side

Girls get an enjoyable insight into the construction industry’s huge array of career opportunities on Read Construction’s Ysgol Y Garnedd site in Bangor.

Thirty-two year 9 pupils from Ysgol Syr Thomas Jones, Amlwch; Ysgol David Hughes, Menai Bridge; and Ysgol Gyfun Llangefni, were shown technical construction methods, including site design, and informed how different trades collaborate to get work on the £8m project done.

The visit, on November 29, gave the girls an insight into how different building trades work together on a scheme, and showed them how the site was designed. 

The opportunity to learn about construction skills, which received positive feedback from the pupils, was initiated by Catrin Williams of Grŵp Llandrillo Menai, with help from Read Construction’s Kasia Pugh and CITB Wales’ Advisor, Aled Hughes.

It proved so popular a similar tour for boys is being planned for February 2020.

Commenting on the site visit Kasia Pugh, Improvement and Engagement Manager, from Read Construction said: “It was great to see the girls so engaged with the scheme. They took part in a ‘myth buster’ activity to challenge the stereotypes and misconceptions of the industry, before having a tour of the site. We’re confident the visit has inspired the girls to consider a career in the industry.”

Catrin Williams, Stem Coordinator, Grŵp Llandrillo Menai, said: “Learners can understand what construction technical jobs entail when they visit a real-life working site. For example, during the morning session learners participated in construction technology and skills workshops such as land/underground based surveying, virtual reality spatial modelling (by Coleg Menai staff) and the CITB tower challenge using bricks.”

CITB Wales’ Advisor Aled Hughes said: “Feedback from the girls was very positive. Site visit opportunities like these are important because the construction industry needs to attract more women into the sector. We want to get rid of the stigma that construction solely entails muddy boots and is a career just for boys.

“I’d urge any young person interested in pursuing a construction career to visit the Go Construct website – it has loads of diverse job examples on and off site.”

To see the wide range of construction opportunities available to girls and boys please click here.