Women into engineering and business at Teesside

Engineering and enterprise are two areas of industry where women are under-represented. But now the University of Teesside is working to change that with the introduction of two new free schemes aimed at women.

A New Opportunity in Construction and Engineering offers two six month course modules aimed at encouraging women to become interested in engineering management.

No prior knowledge of engineering is necessary. The course is designed to introduce the principles of construction and engineering management. Successful students will receive a University Certificate of Personal Development (UCPD), a recognised qualification which could lead to employment or further study on a University of Teesside engineering-related degree.

John Dean, Project Development Officer (Construction) at the University of Teesside, said: “Just eight per cent of construction related jobs are held by women, so this course is really important. It gives women the chance to learn about the basics of construction and engineering management, and to develop computer aided design skills which could lead to a new, well paid career. Women should be better represented in engineering and that’s what this course is all about.”

The course is mainly taught online so students will need basic computer skills. Study time will be less than 16 hours per week and there will be the occasional University-based lecture or computer lab tutorials. As the course is self paced, students can enrol at any time during the course period, up until June 2007.

To find out more about the course, which is funded by the Learning Skills Council and the European Social Fund, call 01642 342494 or email ccir@tees.ac.uk.

For women who want to break into business, the University is launching the Women into Business scheme.

This programme aims to increase the number of female entrepreneurs in the region and is aimed at women who are interested in starting their own business and want to find out more. It will assist participants in the creation of business feasibility studies and help develop other essential business skills such as networking and self-confidence.

Julia Gillam, University of Teesside Project Development Officer, said: "Women into Business is a great opportunity for any woman who's ever had a business idea and would like to take the next step towards making their dreams a reality. This programme is by women, for women and will provide participants with the skills and confidence needed to become a successful entrepreneur."

Unlike most other business-related courses, Women in Business will be delivered in the community for one day a week over a period of 12 weeks. The first programme will begin in September 2006 at the Stockton International Family Centre, 66 Dovecot Street, Stockton, before being rolled out to other community venues throughout the region.

To find out more about the Women in Business programme, call Julia Gillam on 01642 342806 or email: j.gillam@tees.ac.uk.

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