Building Confidence: Construction For Girls Taster Day at Stretford College

Construction For Women’s early talent initiative, Construction For Girls, brought its mission to Trafford with a dynamic taster day at Stretford College, introducing young women to the possibilities of a future in construction.

The event welcomed 45 schoolgirls from across Trafford, offering them a chance to explore the vast and varied world of the built environment — from design and planning to practical, hands-on skills.

Inspiring from the Ground Up

The day opened with an inspiring session led by Renee Preston, Founder of Construction For Women and CEO of Gallaway Construction. Renee shared her own career journey and offered insight into the breadth of opportunities across the industry — demonstrating that construction is a field rich with creativity, collaboration, and innovation.

Practical Learning, Real Experience

After the morning presentation, students rolled up their sleeves for a series of engaging, hands-on workshops in electrical installation, plumbing, interior design, and structural bridge design. Guided by skilled tutors and mentors, the girls worked in teams to problem-solve, build confidence, and discover new strengths.

The practical sessions showcased that construction is not only about physical work — it’s about design thinking, sustainability, and shaping spaces that improve lives.

Recognising Talent and Potential

To celebrate their achievements, each student received a Certificate of Participation, personally signed by Renee Preston. This recognition contributes to the students’ career development portfolios and provides valuable experience they can reference on their future CVs.

Encouraging the Next Generation

Reflecting on the day, Renee Preston said:

“When we give young women the opportunity to explore construction early on, we’re not just showing them what’s out there — we’re showing them that they belong here. Confidence begins with exposure and experience.”

The Construction For Girls programme is central to Construction For Women’s mission to increase gender diversity in construction. By reaching young people at a formative stage, it helps to build awareness, ambition, and self-belief — empowering the next generation to design, create, and lead in the built environment.