Inspiring Futures: Construction For Girls Taster Day at City Skills Salford

Construction For Women’s early talent programme, Construction For Girls, recently delivered another successful taster day, this time at City Skills in Salford, in collaboration with Build Salford.

This exciting event welcomed 55 Year 9 students from Ellesmere Park High School and Moorside High School, giving them the opportunity to explore the diverse and rewarding world of construction.

Opening Doors to Opportunity

The day began with a series of inspiring talks and presentations from industry experts and guest speakers, who shared insights into the variety of roles and career pathways available across the construction sector. From design and engineering to project management and the trades, the speakers encouraged students to imagine themselves as the future of a more inclusive and innovative industry.

Hands-On Learning and Creative Exploration

Throughout the day, the girls were split into smaller groups to take part in interactive, construction-related workshops across City Skills’ state-of-the-art campus facilities.Activities included plumbing, plastering, joinery, art, architectural design, and mood board creation—all designed to help students develop practical skills while exploring their creativity and problem-solving abilities.

This hands-on approach allowed participants to experience first-hand how construction combines technical skill, teamwork, and imagination—helping to bring buildings, spaces, and communities to life.

Recognising Achievement

At the close of the session, each student was presented with a Certificate of Participation, personally signed by Construction For Women founder Renee Preston. These certificates not only celebrate the girls’ involvement but also contribute to their career development portfolios and add something unique to their CV's—a lasting testament to their curiosity, effort, and achievement.

Building Confidence, Shaping Futures

The Construction For Girls programme plays a vital role in Construction For Women’s mission to increase gender diversity within the construction industry. By engaging directly with young girls in education, the initiative helps spark interest, build confidence, and demonstrate that a future in construction is both possible and rewarding.

Construction For Women founder Renee Preston shared:

“Introducing girls to the construction industry at this stage of their education is so important. When they see what’s possible, they start to imagine themselves as part of it—and that’s where real change begins.”

Through partnerships with organisations like Build Salford and City Skills, Construction For Women continues to empower young women to see construction as a place where they can learn, lead, and thrive.