Galliford Try pilots mentoring scheme for women 

Galliford Try has launched a mentoring scheme aimed at encouraging the next generation of women into construction. 

The business has teamed up with five schools in the East Midlands to pilot the three-year Mentoring the Next Generation Programme where students will be paired with women mentors.

Candidates will gain insight into construction careers, as well as guidance on CV writing and interviewing. The final year will culminate in career pathways into Galliford Try.

Vikki Skene, HR director at Galliford Try, said: “While women make up 51% of the UK population, they make up only 15% of people employed by the construction industry, and 23% of Galliford Try’s workforce. 

“Barriers to entry for women and girls include misconceptions around what working in construction entails, the variety of roles and disciplines on offer, the competitive salaries and rewards, the ability to be flexible with working arrangements throughout someone’s career and a lack of role models who have similar experiences to them. 

“By introducing our Mentoring the Next Generation Programme, we aim to break down these barriers, demonstrating a hugely fulfilling, rewarding and flexible career with a variety of roles available that girls and young women may not yet know are possibilities for them in an environment that enables them to be successful.

“As a people-orientated progressive employer, with numerous accolades for being a great place for early careers, we’re in a privileged  position to showcase construction and we hope to inspire and attract the next generation of women into our industry.”