Housing Executive brings DIY to life for girls
Eager female students from four schools proved that trades are certainly #notjustforboys at the first Women’s Tec and Housing Executive Try-a-Trade event to come to the Northwest.
A total of 51 girls from St Mary’s Limavady, Limavady High School, North Coast Integrated Coleraine and Dominican College Portstewart attended the hands-on workshops in plumbing, tiling, mechanics and bricklaying at Ballysally Community Centre, Coleraine.
Tara Kelly, Housing Executive Equality, Diversity and Outreach Manager said, “The enthusiasm in the room, the willingness to learn and the smiles on these girls faces today is proof that these jobs are not just for boys.
““The Housing Executive are delighted to be champions of the #NotJustforBoys campaign, working in partnership with Women’s Tec for many years now and official #notjustforboys champions since 2023.
“Today was the perfect opportunity to talk to local students about the Housing Executive and the jobs we have on offer.
“Many of them were not aware of the wide range of career options we offer however, when they learnt a bit more they were very interested in considering us as an employer in the future.”
Claire King, Women’s Tec Not Just for Boys Coordinator said: “Our event in Coleraine has been an enormous success. We exist to explore potential barriers that women and girls who want to join the construction industry face and we dispelled a stigmas and gender stereotypes today.
“We are delighted to work in partnership with the Housing Executive, our fantastic Not Just for Boys champions.
“We greatly appreciate their continued commitment to supporting and empowering women to access training and opportunities in traditionally male dominated industries and look forward to collaborating with them in the future.”