AN initiative to encourage more women into the construction industry in Worcestershire has proved a huge success.

The scheme, run by Worcester Community Housing Association, Stourport-based Thomas Vale Construction, and Midlands-based Forum Training, has selected five women from the region to participate in its "Skills Initiative".

Sponsored by European Social Funding, the recently launched campaign provides women with the opportunity to break into what has long been perceived as a male dominated industry.

The partnership received more than 40 applications from women interested in trading old skills for new.

Five successful applicants went through a two-week induction course and have now begun work on a £25m housing refurbishment scheme in Worcestershire to upgrade some 5,000 homes during the next five years.

The Skills Initiative attracted women from a diverse range of backgrounds including shop assistants, receptionists and factory workers.

Another similar scheme is now planned for April this year.

Katrina Cunnigham, of Abbey Road, Kidderminster, gave up her job as an office receptionist for a life on-site.

"The skills initiative is an excellent idea as it breaks down the barriers that currently stand in the way of women taking up manual careers," she said.

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"It offers women benefits that an office job simply can't, for example, a chance to prove themselves in a male-dominated environment and learn skills that have not previously been readily available to them.

"For me a career in construction is a breath of fresh air and at the same time an opportunity to contribute to one of the UK's largest industries."

Tony Hyde, Thomas Vale's managing director, said the initiative was vital for the development of the construction industry.

"The industry is facing a major skills crisis," he said. "The poor image of construction is one of the biggest factors inhibiting its growth of a diverse workforce.

"Recent publicity on the financial benefits from a career in a specialist trade may have done wonders in the short-term, but over the next five years we will need to attract 380,000 new recruits at all levels, from graduates to skilled crafts people just to keep up with demand. That's 76,000 every year.

"Some of the best industry leaders and company MDs are women. Given that women are often better communicators and take pride in their work, they have a great deal to offer the industry and can ultimately provide a more balanced working culture on site."