The Construction Industry Training Board Northern Ireland (CITB NI) has welcomed its first cohort of trainees to the Women in Construction plant operator programme.

One of those who is taking part in the programme is Laura McDermott, from Kinawley, Co. Fermanagh.

This fully funded pilot training in partnership programme provides 12 women, from across Northern Ireland, with the opportunity to gain recognised plant operator qualifications for two types of plant machinery – a Construction Skills Register card, along with health and safety training.

Training is delivered by McKinney Safety Centre Ltd. at the CITB NI Nutts Corner Training Centre.

CITB NI and The Women in Construction Network have been actively working together, raising awareness of the career options available for women in construction, as well as encouraging women into the industry.

According to the Office of National Statistics research, just 13 per cent of construction workers are women.

Whilst data shows the number of women in construction has been increasing since the economic downturn, the pace of growth is slow.

With many trailblazers and ambassadors for women in construction and women in plant operation in Northern Ireland, CITB NI and The Women in Construction Network are actively working together to support with raising awareness of career options for women in construction.

Rachel McKeeman, Director of Industry Training & Support from CITB NI, said: “Alongside The Women in Construction Network and the many construction employers supporting diversity and inclusion in the workplace, we are keen to raise awareness of the range of career options for women in construction.”