The project allows girls aged 13 to 24 to explore and upskill in areas such as electrics, plumbing, carpentry, tiling, painting and decorating and DIY skills.
Based in North Belfast, #notjustforboys is an innovative programme, targeted at young women who are not pursuing an academic route post GCSE. It is a collaborative partnership between The Housing Executive, Women’s Tec, Gilbert-Ash, the Construction Industry Training Board NI, JP Corry and The Urban Villages Initiative.
On-site nursery facilities allow young women, including mothers, to upskill in areas such as electrics, plumbing, carpentry, tiling, painting and decorating and DIY skills.
The programme also works in partnership with schools and youth organisations, further education colleges, training organisations and the construction industry, to heighten awareness of the range of ‘non-traditional’ careers available and to provide a seamless and supported pathway for girls from disadvantaged areas to move into these well-paid jobs.
A celebration event to launch the programme was held on Thursday, 19th September 2019 at Women’s Tec, Chichester Avenue. Speakers included the programme’s sponsors, along with the Department of Finance’s Sue Gray and a light lunch was enjoyed by all.
The www.notjustforboys.org website contains information on how potential participants can get involved in this initiative. Further information is also available by emailing: info@womenstec.org or by telephone on: 02890749810.
Project participant Charlotte says: “I learned how to use new equipment that I have never used before. I learned new skills and it has shown me new job options.”
Lynn Carvill, Chief Executive of WOMEN’STEC states, “The #notjustforboys programme will connect girls with a wide range of exciting career pathways, enhancing their lifetime opportunities and simultaneously meet the needs of employers across the wider construction industry.”
The Housing executive’s Denise Conlon adds: “We’re proud to help young women to explore alternative career paths by supporting #notjustforboys. The programme makes a real difference to the lives of these women by broadening their horizons and providing them with a seamless and supported pathway into non-traditional careers.”
#notjustforboys
