Delivered in partnership with Michaela Wain and Design and Build UK, the one-day interactive event introduced girls aged 9–10 to construction through practical experience, industry insight, and accredited learning.

Building Awareness of Future-Fit Skills

Held in June, the event brought together 50 Year 5 pupils from 10 local schools. The Challenge Day reflected a shared ambition to equip young people with future-fit skills and provide early exposure to industries that are critical to economic growth and societal development.

The construction sector continues to evolve, requiring a workforce equipped with a blend of technical, digital, and transferable skills. From engineering, design, and surveying to project management, sustainability, and health and safety, the event highlighted the diverse and rewarding career pathways available.

By introducing these opportunities at an early stage, the initiative helped learners understand both the breadth of the sector and the skills required to succeed within it.

 

 

Embedding Skills Excellence Through Practical Learning

Participants took part in a series of structured, hands-on challenges that promoted problem-solving, teamwork, and critical thinking.

Activities included:

• Bridge building challenges, developing design and engineering awareness
• PPE fitting, reinforcing safety and compliance principles
• Playground design, introducing coordination and planning skills

These practical experiences provided an engaging way to develop core competencies aligned to real-world industry practice.

Inspiring Through Representation and Industry Insight

A key element of the day was direct engagement with women working across the construction sector, offering participants authentic insight into career pathways and progression.

Through talks and discussions, attendees gained:

• Exposure to diverse career journeys and professional experiences
• Guidance on skills development and future opportunities
• Perspectives on inclusion, wellbeing, and representation within the industry

 

Recognising Achievement and Supporting Progression

As part of NOCN Group's commitment to recognising achievement and supporting progression, all participants achieved an NOCN-accredited Girls in Construction Level 1 certificate.

This accreditation:

• Recognised learners’ engagement and achievement
• Introduced formal pathways into construction and related sectors
• Reinforced the value of structured, high-quality vocational learning

NOCN Group Head of Products, Tracey Patmore, attended the event to present the certificates to the girls. stating,

“It was great and so inspiring to see so many girls enjoying the challenges, working and in teams, laughing together. A fantastic way to get young girls to see how enjoyable working on construction can be.”

 

Continuing the Momentum

NOCN Group remains committed to working in partnership with education providers, employers, and community organisations to deliver initiatives that prepare learners for the future of work.

As part of this commitment, we recently launched our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in Construction online course in collaboration with Design & Build UK and Women in Construction.

Learn more about the course here.