Women’s Workshop Self build Project Fourth Action ‘promoting equality within communities’ A Walter Segal timber framed construction
Where are all the women then? Women are currently severely under-represented in construction and manual trades within Northumberland, with young women occupying only 1% of available places on vocational training within the county. There is also recent evidence through the Network of continuing discrimination in the workplace, where women who have successfully achieved qualifications (one with distinctions) find themselves unable to gain employment in the construction field. This project recognises that the construction industry culture is a difficult one for women to access, and offers a women- friendly route into manual trades, through self build of a small structure and related training and enterprise support.
Tools of the trade!
Starting with training…. Health and safety Working safely with tools
Building Confidence Learn new skills Find out about selfbuild methods. Learn new skills in a supportive environment. Work as part of a team Feel confident to do DIY at home. First steps to construction skills training Make new friends.
Making the Frame
Raising the frame …by working together as a team
Design for the building
Adding the joists…
…and rafters
Studding and batons
The roof …such a small word, such a long, drawn -out process …
Val’s Val is a lone parent of two. She wanted to return to work but didn’t feel Story enthusiastic about jobs which are considered ‘traditional’ for women; office work, shop assistant or childcare worker. Through joining in on the self build project she has been supported into college to do plumbing and tiling. Val is currently now doing an NVQ 2. She aims to develop her own skills to become a trainer herself and help encourage more women into construction. ‘Because of prejudices I have faced I would warn younger girls to be prepared for the stereotypes they will face, and start to toughen up…. BUT…. If you’re willing to work for it and challenge people along the way, then it is well worth it. I love what I’m doing and feel I have gained a greater self worth and confidence’
Rebecca’s story Rebecca is a mum of three and although she had always had an interest in DIY, she had never done anything like this before. “I had concerns that this project may be too demanding for me, but I have enjoyed it thoroughly, and learned many new skills along the way.” “My children have often visited the site to see the build progressing, and I feel it is good for them to see construction using traditional methods like this.” Rebecca has become very knowledgeable about the building process and has given talks on the method of construction to a variety of groups since being involved.
A work in progress…
Adding the walls, and windows and doors
And insulation
Ceiling and Walls Attaching plasterboard to ceiling and walls for added insulation and an even finish.
Exterior cladding Brick coloured ‘minerit’ boards (fireproof) and larch cladding.
Wet Room and Plumbing The Wet Room will have an accessible toilet, with an integral shower facility that drains from the floor.
Next steps… Internal walls, fit kitchen and wet room Electrics and plumbing Flooring and internal decoration Planting of planted roof, and landscaping of gardens… …lots of volunteers still needed!
Looking forward The Women's Workshop is a partnership project led by Fourth Action, with Mary Kelly, Walter Segal architect, and other partners in the longer term such as CITB and local employers and estate owners. It will provide both a physical space and an educational presence, built by women to create more equal access and participation to the construction and manual trades field, with a particular focus on rural women… …The long -term aim will be to create a social enterprise offering low cost repairs and refurbishment to community groups, as well as sharing self build skills with other community-based groups... The Amble site could also provide a venue for associated activities such as; heritage skills, environmental arts, renewable energy activities, an organic garden, etc , which will provide a wider skills base.
Challenges •Young women’s perceptions •Poor gender awareness within education and schools •Shortage of good role models and female tutors •Male culture within the workplace •Shortage of placements •Care issues •Peer criticism •Age •Lack of card carrying companies in Northumberland •Sustainability •Geography & transport
Work continues.. If you would like more information about this project or would be interested in training or volunteering contact; hala@nnwn.org Or phone 01668 219879
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