31/03/2016

Women In Non-Traditional Skills Trading Attend WOMEN'STEC Awards

Women in non-traditional skills trading have attended the annual WOMEN'STEC awards which took place at Belfast City Hall.

In the past year, 140 students have participated in the Supporting People - Empowering Communities (SPEC) programme run in partnership with Clanmil Housing Group and part funded by the Northern Ireland European Social Fund and the Department of Employment and Learning with support from Belfast City Council.

Participants gained 115 qualifications in courses such as plumbing, joinery, painting and decorating, tiling, horticulture, information technology and first aid. The programme has received support from the construction industry and is being backed by Gilbert-Ash and JMC Mechanical and Construction Ltd.

Lynn Carvill, Chief Executive of WOMEN'STEC, said: "It is with great pleasure that we recognise the hard work of our students. Many of these women have overcome considerable barriers to take part in our courses. With the shortage of skills and the under-representation of women in the construction sector - with an industry average of only 13.4% - our training programmes are invaluable.

"Through the SPEC programme, part funded by the Northern Ireland European Social Fund 2014-2020 – Investment for Growth and Jobs Programme, the Department of Employment and Learning, Belfast City Council and private sector organisations, Gilbert-Ash Construction Group and JMC Mechanical and Construction Ltd, training schemes for more than 500 participants who face difficult barriers to employment and training are to be created in the next three years thanks to our new programme."

(CD)

Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

14 March 2019
Council Initiative Helps NI Business Achieve 50% Growth
A business programme designed to support and grow local micro and small sized enterprises by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough council has seen significant success, particularly for one local enterprise.
22 August 2018
Equality Training Sessions Announced
A number of training sessions for employers and service providers across NI have been announced by the Equality Commission's Advisory Services Team. The training sessions cover some of the most common enquiries received by the Equality Commission each year and will help keep employers on the right side of the law.
06 October 2003
Mentoring Programme For Women In Property
The National Association of Women in Property, in conjunction with JIVE Partners, is embarking on a mentoring programme designed to help increase the representation of women in the construction and property industry.
28 October 2005
Building opportunities for the long term unemployed
The long term unemployed are to be given a helping hand into the construction industry thanks to a new training initiative devised by one of the UK’s leading business and construction services companies.
04 December 2014
Local Businesses Complete BITES Programme
Local companies have taken steps to boost their sustainability and competitiveness after taking part in a business programme, funded by the Belfast City Council.