Over the last year the world has changed dramatically and there is a worry that it has affected the education of Generation Z as 58% believe that their education will suffer due to less time in the classroom. Many students are concerned about their future and whether the disruption to their personal learning will affect the job opportunities they were hoping for.
Alongside this, there is a cause for concern regarding the number of women in construction as women only comprise 10%. A survey presented 13% of women, aged 16-34, said they would consider a career in construction. However, this increased to 45% after those women learnt more about women in management. This shows that young women need to be further educated about what the roles in construction entail and exposed to more opportunities that are available.
A Rap Interiors we are proud to say that 40% of our team are women, one of which is our Design Director, Julie Anderson. Julie presented to a number of schools in Kent and Medway through Education Partnership, her journey into the world of construction.
Julie’s creative flair isn’t from a design background directly. Her “can-do” attitude established her business experience with running a craft company, becoming a wedding florist and then spotting a gap in the market for a cafe where Rap’s Head Office is based in Kent.
Julie has worked at Rap Interiors for nearly 30 years and received a lifetime achievement award last year, presented by FIS, for her commitment to charity work, her involvement in the interiors sector and the example she sets to women in the construction industry.
Julie admits that while working in construction was not the dream she had envisaged for her life, she has loved the last 28 years at Rap Interiors and is excited about her next mission.
Julie offers her advice to those who are looking to work in construction. “Make sure you engage with people in a positive way and be remembered – for the good things! – and always go way above what is expected of you so you make a difference. You’ll find many achievements, self-worth and then you’re valuable to everyone.”
Keep Calm and Carry On in Construction
During the pandemic, one industry has managed to “keep calm and carry on” and construction could therefore provide a silver lining for students and their future career prospects.
The construction industry has been concerned for many years that there aren’t many young people looking to work in our exciting world but now schools are looking to refurbish their premises to create more blocks for subjects in art, design, engineering, carpentry, plastering, building and bricklaying.
These school subjects provide great character building opportunities which is a quality we look for in candidates when looking for a new member to join the team.
This industry is a strong area where teamwork is at the core of everything. Rap Interiors is a brilliant example of a design and fit out company working in construction with a great team at its core.
Read the full blog here: Inspiring Careers for Women in Construction – Rap Interiors
How to Complete a School Refurbishment Project During a Pandemic
Rap Interiors has worked with a number of schools and colleges to improve their learning environment for the students and staff.
You can book in a FREE design consultation with one of the team on 0333 600 1234 or fill out the form below and get a call back to discuss your project in more detail.
