Girls get glimpse of building trade

A total of 30 girls from Bognor Regis Community College and Chichester High School for Girls have taken part in taster sessions in construction. They enjoyed learning the basics of carpentry, painting and decorative effects and brickwork block paving. The sessions were the first of their kind and aimed at inspiring women to work in the construction industry. They were spread over a fortnight. Fifteen girls attended three sessions a week after their usual lessons.

Those from the community college said the occasions had given them more options for their futures.

Jessica Summerbee (14) said: 'It was really fun. I enjoyed painting and loved building the block pathway.'

Hester Benham (13) stated: 'It was so hands on and we achieved so much in such a short time.'

Georgina Starkey (14) said: 'This has given me another good choice for my career. I enjoyed getting involved and really doing something.'

The sessions were held at the Arena Skills Centre on the college's Westloats Lane campus. Chichester College provided the experts to pass on their knowledge. Willmot Dixon Construction also helped. All the students who took part received a college certificate.

Kim Ives, the centre's work related learning manager, said: 'The centre was truly buzzing as the girls quickly grasped new skills and rose to the challenge.

'Many of them are now considering the range of new learning opportunities open to them.'

The events link with taster courses being hosted by Chichester College to involve girls in motor vehicle and engineering.