Wates Group has announced its intention to drive forward change and support women in the construction industry through a new partnership.

The national firm has become the first construction partner for Young Women's Trust, which will see the organisations work together to support and inspire more women to take up careers in construction.

During this partnership, they will work together to support women aged 18 to 30 who are on low or no pay and are at risk of poverty, as well as boosting Young Women's Trust's ambition to help 15,000 women over the next three years.

The partnership will develop a work experience opportunity to broaden young women's understanding of the construction industry and will help to combat the skills shortage. This will include developing a work experience programme for young women to help show a clear pathway into construction, boost skills and provide training opportunities, as well as raising funds through staff events.

Wates will also look to provide up to 40 volunteers for the Young Women's Trust's Work It Out programme, which offers free and flexible support to help women develop strong mental health and employment skills so they can take steps towards work. These volunteers will give advice and feedback on young women's CVs and job applications, helping them to identify their strengths and secure interviews.


Nikunj Upadhyay, Group Head of Diversity and Inclusion at Wates Group, said: "Our three-year partnership with Young Women's Trust is, first and foremost, about inspiring young women to see construction as a conscious career choice. It's about fundamentally improving access to opportunities and supporting disadvantaged young women as well as recruiting young talent into our industry.

"At Wates Group, we believe that responsible business, done well, is good for society – it creates jobs, supports career development, and invests in the community. Our new partnership is just one of the ways that we are going to continue to be a business where everyone is welcome, included and connected."

Sophie Walker, Chief Executive of Young Women's Trust, added: "As inequality across the country grows and services for young people are cut, young women, particularly those who face complex barriers to work, are being left behind. The work of Young Women's Trust has never been more important – we need to support young women so they can develop strong mental health and secure financial futures, we need to challenge career stereotypes and the systemic barriers that hold young women back.

"We are glad to have clear, dedicated and practical support from Wates. We look forward to developing a work experience model with them that can support more young women to join and thrive in the construction industry. And we are grateful to have a dedicated bank of volunteers offering CV feedback advice so that more young women can fulfil their potential."

This partnership comes after Wates launched its Diversity and Inclusion vision in July 2019: #WatesTogether, which outlined a long-term blueprint for creating a business where everyone is welcomed, included and connected.

(CM/JG)