From site management to architecture, students at Reaseheath College and University Centre got an inside look at careers in construction, hearing first-hand from women working on projects across cities and communities.
Held during Women in Construction Week (March 2nd to 8th), the event was organised by lecturers from the Design, Surveying and Planning course brought students and industry professionals together for a day of presentations, panel discussions, and small-group conversations, giving students a taste of what life is really like for women in the sector.
Georgie Moorhouse, Site Manager at Bowmer and Kirkland, Louise Hilder of Cheshire Surveys, and Kim Mountford, Architect at Inc. Architects, shared their experiences working on a variety of projects, from multi-million-pound student accommodation in urban centres to community-focused redevelopment schemes.
They spoke openly about the challenges women still face in construction, highlighted career milestones, and offered advice for students starting out. Sustainability emerged as a recurring theme, with each speaker emphasising how environmental considerations are now central to every project.
The day also featured Pippa Jones, the first woman to complete the Design, Surveying and Planning T Level at Reaseheath, who shared practical advice on navigating the early stages of a career in construction. Her story gave students a relatable example of how classroom learning can translate into real-world experience. She was joined by Molly McGuiness Cronin, who also completed the course last summer and, like Pippa, had her bungalow design selected to be built on campus.
David Wainwright, Programme Leader at Reaseheath, said: “Events like this are vital. They give our students a real flavour of the industry, showing them what it’s like to work in construction today, the challenges women face, and the exciting opportunities ahead.”
Students took part in panel discussions and small-group rotations, asking questions about day-to-day responsibilities, career pathways, and the skills and mindsets needed to succeed. Discussions highlighted the progress being made toward greater inclusion, the central role of sustainability, and the variety of opportunities available in the sector, from surveying and architecture to site management.
Part of Reaseheath’s focus on getting students ready for industry, the day left participants inspired and informed, with a clearer picture of the real-world opportunities that await them after college.
