Girls Rise to the Challenge

Fifty Year 5 girls from 10 schools across Bolton were introduced to the world of construction this June as they took part in the Girls in Construction Challenge Day, delivered by Michaela Wain and Design & Build UK alongside sponsors NOCN, DEWALT and Huws Gray. The event brought together young people from across the region for a day of practical learning, teamwork and career discovery, providing an early introduction to the opportunities available within the built environment.

Throughout the day, participants rotated through 11 interactive challenge stations, each linked to a genuine career within the sector. From planning construction sites and building bridges to fitting personal protective equipment, designing inclusive playgrounds and exploring project costs, the activities were designed to demonstrate the breadth of skills required across modern construction. By connecting hands-on challenges to real professions, the event enabled participants to gain a greater understanding of the diverse roles that contribute to the delivery of the built environment.

The challenge stations were delivered by volunteers from across the construction industry, providing participants with direct access to professionals working in a variety of disciplines. Volunteers shared their experiences, explained their career journeys and encouraged the girls to think differently about future opportunities within the sector. Their involvement was central to the success of the event, helping to bring each challenge to life while demonstrating how skills such as communication, creativity, problem-solving and teamwork are applied in the workplace every day.

Reflecting on the success of the day, Michaela Wain commented: “This is what happens when you give girls access, opportunity and a bit of a challenge. They rise to it every single time.” Highlighting the impact of the activities, Wain added: “Yesterday’s Girls in Construction Challenge Day brought together 50 girls from 10 schools across Bolton and across 11 stations they planned sites, built bridges, fitted PPE, designed playgrounds and proved, without any shadow of a doubt, that the future of this industry is in very good hands.”

Each participant received an NOCN Level 1 Girls in Construction certificate, recognising their achievement and providing an introduction to genuine career pathways within the industry. The certificates marked the culmination of a day designed not only to build confidence and develop new skills, but also to broaden awareness of a sector that offers a wide range of rewarding opportunities.

Design & Build UK would like to extend its sincere thanks to headline sponsors NOCN, DEWALT and Huws Gray for supporting the event and helping create meaningful opportunities for young people to engage with the industry. Thanks must also go to the dedicated volunteers who generously gave their time and expertise, including Mia Ullmer of Miller Homes, Jyssica Caulfield of Project Four Building Safety, Sue Woollett of Stepnell, Tracey Patmore of NOCN, Saskia Ray and Shereece Wilson of Novus Property Solutions, Melanie Greenes of Huws Gray and all of the professionals who helped deliver the challenge stations throughout the day.

The Girls in Construction Challenge Day continues to demonstrate the value of introducing young people to the industry at an early age. By creating opportunities for participants to engage directly with professionals and experience the challenges associated with real careers, the initiative is helping to inspire the next generation and strengthen the future talent pipeline for the construction sector.