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INAUGURAL WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION NI SUMMIT INSPIRES CHANGE AND SHATTERS STEREOTYPES
CITB NI, the Industry Training Board for the construction industry, and CITB NI Women in Construction Network has hosted their inaugural Women in Construction NI Summit in Belfast, Thursday 5 March 2020.<br /> <br /> With a view to inspiring change and shattering stereotypes the Women in Construction NI Summit was a full day of inspirational stories, business advice and career development for women currently working in the construction industry, those thinking of joining and for employers who support diversity or best practice in the industry. It also provided thought-provoking tips on career management, helped identify role models and provided an opportunity to expand professional networks.<br />
Hosted by Sarah Travers the conference featured leading industry professionals from local construction businesses such as Arup, Clanmil Housing, Farrans, Gilbert-Ash, GRAHAM, GRAHAM-BAM Healthcare Partnership, Henry Brothers, McAleer & Rushe, Nicola McCracken Safety Services, NIFRS, Scottish Water, Turner & Townsend, White Ink, and Women’sTEC.<br /> <br /> Reflecting on the inaugural Women in Construction NI Summit, Barry Neilson, Chief Executive CITB NI, said:<br /> <br /> <em>“We are delighted to host our very first Women in Construction NI Summit in Northern Ireland. CITB NI run and facilitate the Women in Construction Network in Northern Ireland which is made up of a group of friendly, inspiring and dedicated women working in a wide range of roles within the construction industry. This summit was inspired by the network to help to support and promote diversity within the growing construction industry. </em><br /> <br /> Barry further added:<br /> <br /> <em>“With an ageing workforce, a skills shortage and the increasing use of new technologies, there has never been a better time to encourage more diversity in construction. Increasing the talent pool and making it easier for women and other underrepresented populations to not just join the industry but to remain in the industry, is common sense for any employer. Given that it has been proven that more diversity in the workforce and particularly in leadership positions, can lead to higher profits and more innovation, it makes good business sense too.”</em><br /> <br /> For further details on CITB NI and CITB NI Women in Construction Network visit <a href="http://www.citbni.org.uk">www.citbni.org.uk</a> or follow CITB NI on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIN #WICNSummitNI2020.