WOMEN keen for a career in house building or construction are being urged to sign up to gain qualifications in the industry.

Guinnes Property along with Keepmoat Homes, Regenda Homes, Oldham Council and Get Oldham working are behind the five-week training programme in Oldham. The programme which runs from Thursday, June 21, is being trumpeted as the perfect opportunity for women interested in construction to gain a Construction Skills Certification Scheme card.

The course includes workshops, practical skills and learning sessions that will not only enable students to build their knowledge and skills, but also create invaluable contacts.

The course will include: Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment; site visits across the North West (a mini bus will provide transport if needed); practical skills in plastering, joinery, plumbing and tiling and employability.

Locations include Oldham Broadway Business Park and Bower House, The Guinness Partnership offices.

Phil Royales, head of quality and performance for Guinness Property said: “Women working in construction are still very much in the minority – and even today only a small number of women consider a career in this vital industry.

“At Guinness we are trying to take positive action to address both diversity in our workforce as well as the shortage in skills that the country is experiencing in key trades. We hope that this training will equip women with not only the skills, but the confidence they need to build a career in construction or building maintenance.”

Craig Murphy, regional managing director for Keepmoat Homes in Manchester, said: “We are excited to be working with our partners in offering this training. It’s really important for us to work with and benefit the local communities that our developments have become a part of.

“One way we can do this is by offering courses that provide local people with new skills and opportunities. We hope that through the course we can showcase the amazing careers that are available in construction and maintenance and encourage more women to pursue opportunities in this industry.”

To apply for a free place or to find out more, contact: accesstowork@guinness.org.uk.

The closing date for applications is Friday, June 15