Women in construction - The Big Trust x Frank Rogers

At The Big Trust, we believe that opportunity should feel accessible to every young person - no matter their background, gender, or circumstances. Our work is driven by a simple but powerful principle: when young people are exposed to real experiences, real role models, and real pathways, their aspirations grow. Their confidence grows. And, ultimately, their futures grow.

Let's be honest: when most people hear the word construction, they picture hard hats, muddy boots, and cranes soaring into the sky. All very true, but not the whole story.

This year, we're rolling out an exciting new initiative aimed at getting more young girls curious about all the amazing careers waiting for them in the construction world.

Opening doors and widening horizons

We're thrilled to be partnering with some fantastic local schools and working with their year nine students. Year 9 is such a pivotal time - GCSE choices are looming, careers are on the horizon, and curiosity is at an all time high.

Our programme kicks off with an energising introduction from The Big Trust and our brilliant partners at Frank Rogers. We'll chat to students about what construction really looks like, discuss a few myths, and find out how many girls are up for diving deeper into this world.

Real women, Real stories, Real impact

But the true magic happens when our female role models walk into the room.

We're inviting women from across the construction sector - engineers, site managers, surveyors, architects, electricians and everything in between - to visit the schools and chat with the students. One real story, but the impact - HUGE!

These sessions aren't lectures - they're conversations. Honest, relatable, energising conversations. The kind where students feel comfortable asking things like:

• "is it scary being the only woman on site?"

• "Did you always know you wanted to do this?"

• "Do you get to drive the machinery?"

• "How do you even become an engineer?"

And our role models answer with enthusiasm, humour, and authenticity. The girls get to see real women who have built amazing careers - women who once stood exactly where they're standing now.

Changing the story for the next generation

Our goal isn't to tell every girl, "You must work in construction". Our goal is to show them that they can. That the door is open. The industry needs their ideas, their strengths, their creativity, and their voices.

Because construction isn't just about building structures - it's about building futures, communities and confidence.

Through this programme, we hope to:

• Spark excitement about unexpected career paths

• Show the wide range of roles beyond the stereotypes

• Help girls imagine themselves in industries they've never explored

• Celebrate the incredible women already paving the way

• Plant seeds of ambition that may grow over time.

When girls see role models who look like them, doing things they didn't know were possible, something amazing happens: their aspirations shift. Their self-belief grows. Their future seems bigger, brighter, and full of possibilities.

A community effort with a big heart

We couldnt make this happen without the incredible women stepping forward to share their experience - and we're so grateful for every single one of them. It takes courage to tell your story, generosity to give your time, and passion to help inspire the next generation.

💡 Want to Get Involved? Here’s Your Chance!

If you’re a woman working in construction and you’re willing to share your story, your time, and your enthusiasm, we would love to hear from you.

Just one hour in a classroom could spark a lifelong passion, shift a young person’s perspective, or completely change what they imagine for their future.

👉 Get involved. Inspire a student. Help us build a brighter, more inclusive future. Contact The Big Trust on info@thebigtrust.org. to express your interest—we can’t wait to welcome you into the programme.

Lets make a big difference, together. 🧡