Women to get a fair crack at building

A project to increase women's involvement in the building industry by overcoming its macho image was celebrated at Sheffield Hallam University this week.

The project, set up with European backing, has encouraged women to consider careers in construction, according to Jennie Fortune, architect and senior lecturer at the university's school of environment and development.

She said: "Many women and girls are put off jobs in the built environment because of the macho image and perceptions of the behaviour that goes on.

We offer structured support to women and girls going into training and jobs in the built environment by finding suitable courses and jobs and by giving support from mentors throughout."

An open day recently attracted over 80 women who tried their hand at making a CD rack, learning how to tile and designing their own creche.