The Future Female Leaders Programme, now in its second year! | Our Latest Blog

The Future Female Leaders Programme, now in its second year, is an inspiring initiative aimed at empowering young women pursuing careers in construction and related fields. The programme is a joint initative between the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) and Middlesbrough College. Andrea Nicholls, deputy chair at NAWIC Tees Valley and the co-owner of health and safety consultancy A&N Safety Consultants leads the programme.

Objectives of the Programme

Equip participants with additional skills to complement their studies.
Provide a comprehensive understanding of the construction industry through:
- Events and workplace visits.
- Talks by experienced professionals.
- Mentoring sessions for personalised guidance.
Foster long-term aspirations by building confidence and workplace readiness.
Cultivate future role models for women in construction to inspire the next generation.

Launch and Activities

The project officially began in October 2023, with an introductory session where students interacted with women professionals from various North East construction companies. During this session:

Students gained insights into the industry through personal stories and advice from seasoned professionals.
They engaged in a creative task to design the programme's logo, symbolizing their involvement and the initiative’s vision.

During 2023, a number of workshops and sessions were ran with support from many local companies and organisations such as Power of Women, Thirteen Group, Esh, Wilmott Dixon, K2 Consultancy, Atkins Realis, MACE, Applebridge. Feedback from the students has been amazing and A&N are very proud to be involved in delivering the second year of this Programme.

Long-Term Vision

This programme aims to create a ripple effect by encouraging participants to thrive in their careers and advocate for diversity and representation within the sector. By supporting young women at this critical juncture in their education, the Future Female Leaders Programme is paving the way for a more inclusive and innovative construction industry.

Please get in touch with Andrea if you would like to learn more or get involved.