Girls can Build Programme inspires over 700 primary school girls in eight weeks
A ground-breaking initiative aimed at inspiring primary school girls to explore careers in construction has achieved remarkable success, with approximately 727 KS2 girls participating in just eight weeks.
Local Basildon business, OCL Facades Limited, has championed this innovative programme, spearheaded by the talented women at OCL. They have meticulously curated and developed engaging, hands-on sessions exclusively for schoolgirls aged 7 to 11.
James Harris, Managing Director of OCL Facades Limited, emphasised the importance of this initiative: “Women remain significantly underrepresented in the construction sector. While progress is being made and it’s encouraging to see more women on sites, there is still much to be done.”
He continued, “We wanted to create a programme that would inspire young girls by showcasing the exciting opportunities in construction available to everyone. The response has been phenomenal.”
The programme, which started in May, involved six primary schools across Basildon. Over the course of eight weeks, women from the OCL team conducted 13 sessions, including assemblies and classroom activities. Girls in years 3-6 had the opportunity to wear hard hats and hi-vis vests as they took on roles such as Project Managers, leading a bridge-building challenge. They also participated in PPE challenges, job role activities, and interactive Q&A sessions with the OCL team.
This initiative not only highlights the possibilities within the construction industry but also aims to plant the seeds of curiosity and ambition in young girls, paving the way for a more diverse future in construction.
Six primary schools across Basildon took part in the programme, which launched in May. For eight consecutive weeks, women from the OCL team hosted 13 sessions in total. Sessions ranged from assemblies to classroom sessions, where girls in years 3 to 6 got the chance to don hard hats and hi-vis to become Project Managers, lead on a bridge building challenge as well take part in PPE challenges, job role activities and Q&A sessions with the team.
Megan Tildesley, Assistant Headteacher at Merrylands Primary School, said: “It was wonderful that we were provided with the opportunity to take part in the Girls Can Build Programme. The OCL team have created a brilliant programme that is engaging and thought provoking.”
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