Women Plan New Career after Taking Construction Courses

A group of Welsh mothers are hoping to get jobs in the construction industry after completing practical courses.

Eight mums from Llanelli ditched the monotony of housework and tried their hand at construction tasks by enrolling on carpentry courses, plastering courses, decorating courses and plumbing courses, reported Wales Online.

Some of the women felt so confident since completing the Carmarthenshire council courses that they are now looking to change career and are actively investigating qualification plumbing courses in order to gain employment in the heating industry.

Carmarthenshire Homes Standard programme officer Nia Davies told the site: "Some of them have really taken an interest, and have said they would consider a formal training course with a view to starting a career in the building trade."

Practical courses are not just designed for people looking to get construction jobs as Amanda Wilmott found that she now feels assured enough to perform DIY chores around the home after passing her carpentry courses.

She told Wales Online: "It's been good to try something which I'd never have had the confidence to try before. We've just moved in to a new house, and if there's anything that needs doing now I may give it a go myself."

Ray Symes, senior operational officer for building services, told the website that he hopes more young people and women are encouraged to research vocational courses and find work in the construction sector.

"Our aim is to extend the programme throughout other parts of Carmarthenshire in the future, to help unlock doors for other young people and to give them an insight into the range of employment opportunities available in the construction industry."

More jobs may be created in construction as the industry posted positive growth figures for June.

The Markit/CIPS Construction Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) posted a score of 58.4, which revealed that British construction activity strengthened during July as it was supported by a rise in new business.

Economist at Markit and author of the UK Construction PMI Sarah Ledger said: "The June UK construction PMI data signalled another strong increase in activity."

People looking to enter the construction sector by becoming a plumber or electrician need to take proper sequence of approved and accredited NVQ courses.

Electrical training begins on the City & Guilds NVQ 2330 Level 2 course and progresses onto the NVQ 2356 level 3, while plumbers should start with the City & Guilds NVQ 6129 level 2 that advances onto NVQ level 3.