A conference to promote the huge variety of careers open to women in the construction industry was attended by over 100 young women from all over Scotland yesterday.

With only one person in 20 who works in construction being a woman, the Young Women in Construction Conference, organised by ConstructionSkills, in partnership with Glasgow Caledonian University, aimed to help redress the balance and highlight that women have an important contribution to make to the industry.

The day long event was attended by over 100 pupils aged between 15 and 18 years old and included short presentations from Xfm Radio Presenter Heather Suttie and Janey Milligan, the first female chair of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors. Ian McKenzie, Head of Facilities Development for SportScotland, also spoke about Glasgow’s plans for the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

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The girls then had a chance to take part in various workshops giving them an insight into the diverse range of career opportunities in the construction industry. These included issues about renewable energy, sustainable construction and materials technology.

Thirty employers and 13 women mentors who work in the industry were also on hand to answer any questions and encourage participation in the workshops.

Radio presenter and newspaper columnist Heather Suttie said: "I was delighted to be at the conference and speak to the young women about rising to the challenge of working in a male-dominated environment.

"From my own experience, I know it can take a lot of determination to succeed in a man's world, but it's hugely satisfying when you get there.

"There are huge numbers of opportunities for women to get involved in the construction industry. The event raised awareness of what jobs are out there and it will hopefully encourage more females to become the next generation of construction workers."

Joanne Fuller, Construction Manager with Morgan Ashurst, said: "I attended the very first Young Women in Construction Conference and was inspired by it so much that I decided to pursue the idea. I now have a successful career in the industry and a job I adore."

(GK/JM)