A new programme has been launched to inspire Glasgow's next generation of female construction workers.

Leading contractor GRAHAM has designed the ConstructHER programme to encourage female secondary school pupils across the city to pursue careers in the construction industry.

The initiative, promoted with the help of Developing the Young Workforce and the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, will enable eight S5 and S6 pupils to learn more about the sector.

Debbie Rutherford, head of social impact and support services at GRAHAM, said: "We’re proud to launch our ConstructHER programme which is designed to show the breadth of job opportunities available in the construction sector.

"Working collaboratively with local schools across Glasgow will help to inspire our future generations to pursue a career in construction, which many may have not considered until now."

Applications are now open, with successful candidates to be awarded a place on the course in October 2024.

The six-month programme will offer insight into the various roles available, including town planners, quantity surveyors, and site managers.

Delivered at various locations, including live construction sites, universities, and colleges, GRAHAM hopes the ConstructHER programme will address the gender imbalance in the sector.

Those who successfully complete the programme will be fast-tracked to apply for a full-time apprenticeship with GRAHAM.

This could be in engineering, design management, planning, quantity surveying, or administration and document control.

Alison McRae, senior director at the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, added: "ConstructHER is a fantastic initiative that will encourage female pupils to learn more about the broad range of roles available in the construction industry.

"Aligning with Developing the Young Workforce's ethos of inspiring young people to gain the skills and knowledge they need to succeed as they move from education into the world of work, we are proud to support GRAHAM in the roll out of the programme across schools in Glasgow."

Two of GRAHAM’s young female staff have just graduated from its apprenticeship scheme, including Kirsty MacLeod, assistant quantity surveyor, and Alexis Smith, planner.

GRAHAM will also welcome 15 new apprentices this year across its Building North division, including quantity surveyors, design managers, site administrators, planners, and site engineers.