In December 2024, Karen and Shannon from Murraywood Construction visited HMP Styal to meet women who were preparing to begin a Construction Training Programme run by Procure Plus within the prison.

It was inspiring to see such a positive attitude toward construction as a career option from the women we met. Their knowledge of various trades in the industry and eagerness to learn more was refreshing. We hope the information shared about career pathways and progression motivated them, and we are hopeful that we will encounter them on construction sites in the future!

Although the construction industry has traditionally been male-dominated, 15.8% of the UK’s construction workforce is now female—the highest percentage since employment figures began being recorded. Initiatives like this training programme are instrumental in driving that number even higher.

Starting in the New Year, the women will embark on a 12-week programme where they will earn their CSCS Card and develop practical skills in plastering, brickwork, and plumbing. This initiative aims to build their confidence as they enter an increasingly inclusive industry and set them on a pathway to brighter futures for themselves and their families.

Murraywood Construction is proud to support and participate in events like this that promote construction as a positive and achievable career path. We look forward to returning to HMP Styal in March to reconnect with the participants and celebrate their achievements upon completing the programme.