MAYOR of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Alderman Graham Warke, visited the New2You Centre in Pennyburn this week to launch the She Shed Programme, which provides construction courses for local women.
In partnership with the Housing Executive and funded by their Social Enterprise Strategy, She Shed will include six-week courses in upcycling, joinery, and household electrical maintenance.
The innovative female empowerment programme also involves a link up with local schools, highlighting the construction sector to females as one with future employment opportunities.
Some local construction and IT firms will also provide those taking part with information on careers in their respective sectors.
Mayor Warke said that the programme is an excellent opportunity for local women to take that first step in learning more about careers in which females would not typically be strongly represented.
“I’m really impressed with the She Shed initiative.
It’s a great chance for females who may be unsure about breaking into trades such as construction to learn more about the skills involved and what jobs are on offer.
“Sometimes making that first step can be the hardest one, but this programme empowers women and massively builds their confidence and their skills base.
“They can learn alongside like-minded, driven people.
“I’d strongly encourage anyone who sees the courses available and thinks it might be for them to get in touch and get yourself signed up.”
Eddie Doherty, Area Manager of The Housing Executive, said: “The She Shed engages females from Housing Executive communities in creative community upcycling activities and other useful classes.
“This helps build confidence and connection among women who may otherwise never meet or who may not have considered personal development.
“For this reason, the Housing Executive is delighted to support this community programme under its Social Enterprise Plus Programme.”
The programme will be overseen by Nuala Griffiths, General Manager of New2You. Nuala has a background in the construction sector and explained that the programme is a way to support and encourage women from all backgrounds and show them there are training and education opportunities open to them.
“With courses in upcycling, joinery and household electrical maintenance we feel there is a great range there that will interest a lot of local women who have perhaps often thought about pursuing a career in these areas.
“At the She Shed programme we have a safe environment where all of our participants can learn more about the skills involved and about the jobs and opportunities that could be available to them down the line.”
To sign up, email [email protected] or telephone 02871 360 453.
Courses cost just £30 for 6.
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