100 Young Learners Empowered by ‘Superwomen of Construction’ in Celebration of International Women’s Day

Merthyr Tydfil, March 2025 – In an exciting and inspiring event held to mark International Women’s Day, 100 Year 8 learners from across the Borough were treated to a day filled with empowerment, motivation, and real-world inspiration from some of the most remarkable women in construction. This dynamic event, organised through the Business Education Together Partnership, truly exemplified the goals outlined in the RARS plan, creating a meaningful experience for all participants.

The event’s core objective was clear: to break down the barriers and perceptions surrounding the construction industry, shedding light on the diverse and vital roles that contribute to this thriving sector. From architects and engineers to quantity surveyors, contractors, project managers, and geologists, the day highlighted the incredible variety of career opportunities available within construction—a field that continues to face a shortage of female representation, as identified by the Capital Skills Region.

Learners were captivated as they heard from inspiring women who are leading the way in construction, having worked on extraordinary projects such as the iconic A465 and the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. The energy in the room was palpable, with students eagerly engaging in a lively Q&A session, demonstrating their curiosity and enthusiasm. A powerful message was delivered to these young learners: "Never give up. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t. Because you absolutely can!"

To further stimulate creative thinking and problem-solving, the students participated in a series of hands-on STEM activities. They quickly discovered how integral mathematics, numeracy, and science skills are to the world of construction. Collaborative challenges, including designing their own apartment solutions with space-saving ideas to address overpopulation, encouraged learners to think critically, design to scale, and present their ideas confidently.

One of the most exciting activities involved building towers out of marshmallows, spaghetti, and other materials. The students' creativity shone through as they worked in teams to create impressive and functional designs, showcasing their teamwork and problem-solving abilities.

Throughout the event, learners gained insight into the various roles within the construction sector, including those that often go unnoticed. They were also introduced to various career pathways, such as apprenticeships, work-based learning, and university courses. Notably, the event featured a special appearance by the recent Apprentice of the Year, an ex-Afon Taf pupil, who shared her inspiring journey in construction.

Feedback from both employers and participants was overwhelmingly positive, with attendees praising the event's organization and the enthusiasm shown by the students. Employers noted:

• "The learners produced some excellent work."
• "It was a brilliant event; I would LOVE to be involved in any future events."
• "The students were really engaged, so it was fab. It was a fun event to be involved in, and the kids seemed very engaged in the workshop sessions, which was nice."

As the day came to a close, learners, educators, and employers alike left with a renewed sense of excitement and possibility, inspired to take on the challenge of shaping the future of construction. The event proved to be an unforgettable experience that will undoubtedly inspire future generations of ‘Superheroes of Construction’ from Merthyr Tydfil Schools and beyond.

A huge thank you goes to our schools, businesses, employers, and educational institutions for making this event a resounding success, and we look forward to seeing more trailblazing women leading the charge in construction in the years to come!

For more information on this inspiring event and future initiatives, please contact the Business Education Together Partnership.

Email: BETP@merthyr.gov.uk
Website: Home | SEAL