Their Better Together initiatives, which champion equality and representation across the industry, made them an ideal partner to encourage young women to explore the opportunities available in STEM.
Held in the Immersive Room, the session was created exclusively for female students across Applied Science, the GCSE Pathway and Construction. With many aspiring engineers and construction professionals studying on campus, the event offered a valuable insight into career pathways students may not have previously considered.
“Partnering with Tilbury Douglas to deliver Women in Construction and STEM talks help us spark meaningful conversations that drive inclusion and inspire our learners to see themselves in careers where female talent is needed more than ever,” said Karen Lupton, Placement Administrator at Bradford College.
The panel showcased women from across Tilbury Douglas, highlighting the wide range of career opportunities within construction and the importance of increasing female representation across the sector.
Senior Quantity Surveyor Fionnuala McGowan shared her 12‑year career journey, which began with bricklaying as a teenager and progressed through college, industry experience and university. She highlighted construction as a stable, varied and “very lucrative” career with strong progression opportunities.
Assistant Site Manager Abbie Griffiths spoke about how a college placement with Tilbury Douglas shaped her career path, leading to a full apprenticeship and university study. She encouraged learners to “push yourself and know your worth,” stressing the demand for more women in construction.
Assistant Quantity Surveyor Maisy Swift explained her role in managing project costs and working closely with teams to oversee budgets. After completing Levels 3 and 4 in Surveying, she progressed into a degree apprenticeship and praised Tilbury Douglas for its inclusive and supportive culture.
Construction Management Apprentice Amelia Woods described her motivation to pursue hands‑on learning and the satisfaction of contributing to real construction projects. She highlighted the transferable skills gained and the opportunity to build a long‑term career within a welcoming team.
Engineering student Yakitha Jeyaranjan concluded the panel by sharing how STEM subjects at school inspired her interest in engineering. She spoke about the excitement of seeing designs come to life and the flexibility construction and engineering careers offer for continuous development.
The session ended with an engaging Q&A, where learners explored entry routes into the sector from apprenticeships to graduate programmes, and discovered how science-based skills can translate into diverse careers across construction, engineering and surveying.
Events like this highlight the importance of visibility, representation and real stories from women in STEM shaping today’s construction industry. Bradford College remains committed to supporting the next generation of scientists, engineers and innovators.
Click here to explore our Science and Engineering courses today and take the first step toward an exciting future career.
Hair, Beauty & Barbering students gained valuable industry insight and practical experience to help them build successful careers. Returning industry expert Neil Capstick founder of luxury haircare brand Neäl & Wølf and local barber and business owner Naheem Yacub, from Naheem Barbering, shared their experiences, offering advice on the opportunities and challenges of working in the industry. […]
Bradford College’s Fire Security & Alarms Apprentices are set to benefit from £3,500 worth of industry-standard fire and security equipment, thanks to a growing partnership with Checkmate Fire. Checkmate Fire, one of the UK’s independent fire safety businesses, and their generous donation will support the training and development of the College’s apprentices. The donation includes […]
