Celebrating Women into Construction

On Wednesday 28th June 2023, we celebrated our 15^th anniversary with 200 of our members, partners and female participants at Carpenter’s Hall, London.

This uplifting and empowering annual Celebration Event started with Women into Construction’s Managing Director, Kath Moore MBE, addressing the audience with heartfelt thanks and appreciation for all their support.

Women into Construction’s Director of Business Development, Jacqui Wordsworth, then took to the stage to reflect on the inspiring work delivered in the past year and showcased some of the fantastic employment programmes which have been supported by our members, contractors and partners.

A striking moment of the event followed, when the female participants in the room were asked to stand so that we could all celebrate them with a long round of applause – a very proud moment for all, with a few tears wiped away!

Following this, Jacqui and Kath looked back over the past 15 years of WiC and highlighted some incredible projects including Tools for Life where Kath, along with a small group of female carpentry students, travelled to Swaziland to teach carpentry skills to a group of HIV positive Swazi women, who wanted to make items for which there was a local market.

Jacqui also took us through the amazing impact WiC has made in the last 15 years: over 4500 women have had in depth support, 2700 trained and 1000 into placements resulting in an amazing 1100 women into work!

An audience highlight followed, as six Women into Construction trailblazers spoke honestly and passionately about their journeys into construction and the impact of the support received by WiC. It was an inspiring panel session and the audience was enthralled!

WiC participants and supporting organisations were then recognised for their outstanding contributions during the much anticipated awards ceremony. Huge congratulations again to all the nominees!

The main session concluded with thanks and a call to action from Kath Moore MBE and Jacqui Wordsworth – stating that more needs to be done if we are going to Change the Face of Construction, together.

The evening came to an end with guests enjoying drinks and canapés whilst networking. The room was full of positive energy and uplifting conversation!

Special thanks to Carmichael, Crawford & Company, Galldris Group, McGee, Oakray, Skills4Stem and united living for sponsoring the event.