Inspiring the Future: Stirling City Heritage Trust's Women in Construction Event at Wallace High

Women in Construction is a series of events conceived and organised by Stirling City Heritage Trust, with the aim of inspiring female high school students to consider a career in the construction sector. According to the Office of National Statistics (March 2023), women currently make up only 16.6% of workers in the construction sector, and only approximately 2.5% of Modern Apprentices, with a 23% gender pay gap within the construction industry according to analysis by the CIPD in 2022-2023. These events are therefore much needed.

The first event was held in 2020 at Bannockburn High School for 70 female pupils. After being unbale to continue running the event series due to COVID restrictions, Stirling City Heritage Trust will be delivering three events at Stirling high schools between 2023 and 2026, aiming to reach over 100 pupils. Our May 2023 event was held at Wallace High, where female pupils from S2 – S4 were invited to join us for a day discovering traditional construction skills.

Women in Construction showcases how varied and rewarding work in the sector can be, with a focus on roles which involve working with the historic built environment. On the day, pupils from Wallace High participated in a series of hands-on activities led by demonstrators, the majority of whom were women. Activities included stone carving, joinery, signwriting, mosaics, pattern making, surveying, conservation science and digital documentation.

Stone carving with Lara Townsend and Gillian Forbes

Stone carving with Lara Townsend and Gillian Forbes

Stone carving with Lara Townsend and Gillian Forbes

Signwriting with Hana Lindsay and Rachel E Miller

Signwriting with Hana Lindsay and Rachel E Miller

Pattern Making with Ruth Davies

Pattern Making with Ruth Davies

Mosaics with Helen Miles

Mosaics with Helen Miles

‘It was really good and nice seeing people proud of their work/job.’ - Student, S3

Pupils also heard about demonstrator’s career journeys, highlighting that there is ‘no wrong path’ into the sector. Resources on career opportunities were provided by RICS, RIAS and Historic Environment Scotland’s Engine Shed and apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities were also signposted to school staff and pupils.

The array of activities gave students an insight into the variety of job roles and career paths into the sector. Feedback from the event was extremely positive, with 100% of students open to considering a career in the construction/heritage sector after the event. Over 80% felt better prepared to make career choices about their career options and over 95% would recommend the event to other students.

Joinery with Kirsty Cassels

Joinery with Kirsty Cassels

Joinery with Kirsty Cassels

Drone flying with David Philips, Skills Development Scotland

Digital Documentation with Historic Environment Scotland

Materials & Conservation Science with Historic Environment Scotland

Materials & Conservation Science with Historic Environment Scotland

Slate cutting with Stirling City Heritage Trust

‘An excellent showcase of career options for pupils interested in Design & Engineering and Creative Industries.’ - Principal Teacher Partnerships

All the SCHT Women in Construction events are funded by Historic Environment Scotland and delivered in partnership with local schools, Forth Valley Traditional Buildings Forum and Developing the Young Workforce.

The full event report for our 2023 event at Wallace High School and be downloaded here.