On Friday I visited Opportunities With Experience O-W-E – C.I.C (O-W-E C.I.C) with Programme Director Angel Steele. O-W-E C.I.C trains women who are interested in working in the construction industry, or even becoming self-employed in the sector.
Women are vastly under-represented in the manual trades, making up less than 3% of construction workers. However, O-W-E C.I.C know from experience that there is an increasing demand for tradeswomen to work within certain environments or with vulnerable client groups – for example, with elderly people, or those in social housing.
Women aged 16+ new to construction or returnees, who may have taken time out to raise a family, find it difficult to enter or re-enter work in the construction industry. O-W-E C.I.C have implemented creative solutions, such as experiential training and re-training, mentoring, flexi-time, part-time working and work experience in order to recruit and retain females. Their programme links well with the potential for local employment on proposed developments across Kent and beyond.
There are a great deal of benefits and skills on offer at O-W-E C.I.C, including: learn skills in construction manual trades as well as DIY; gaining an industry recognised qualification; and achieving a CSCS card (Health & Safety and Environment card).
This programme provides accessible possibilities to gain valuable work experience opportunities, long-term employment opportunities and self-employment for women seeking work in the construction sector. I was very impressed by the O-W-E C.I.C’s new training centre which can offer advice at sessions on business start-ups and applying for funding. going forwards, I look forward to seeing their further success and the positive impact of female workers in the construction industry.