How I'm using TikTok to get women into construction
Lecturer Tracy Burns said she saw a need for the course based on her experience in the industry
- Published
For college lecturer Tracy Burns, the upcoming academic year will be her first teaching a women in construction course to a class of students recruited via TikTok.
Tracy has lobbied for years for a women-focused course at Glasgow Kelvin College - a way to allow her to bring together 30 years of construction industry experience with 17 years in teaching.
Once the course was given the green light the details were shared on TikTok, where more than 150,000 potential students and those already in the industry praised the scheme.
"It's been a long road to get here but it's been exciting," she says.
"I remember being the only female within my course at college and being in that male-dominated world and if you've got the right support round about you then it's certainly easier.
"I'm hoping that I can provide the support and obviously the experience, and getting more females confident enough that they can come in and get a career in construction because it's a great career for anybody.
"It shouldn't be shut off to females just because they think it's only for guys."
Allow TikTok content?
This article contains content provided by TikTok. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read TikTok’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.
Throughout the course, Tracy will share her industry experience with students, with the aim of developing the relevant skills to be successful in the industry.
Students will learn the basics of joinery, roofing, painting and decorating and brickwork.
The course has no entry requirements or age restrictions, allowing women to explore a new career path they may have previously discounted.
Tracy says construction was a career she never considered when she left school because "like now, it seemed very male dominated".
But her experience working in the industry has shown her how much support exists for women.
"I think the majority of men are really supportive of females within the working environment in construction and I think a lot of companies see the value of having a diverse workforce as well," she says.
Supporters on social media also praised the creation of the course and the benefits it offered to the industry.
The scheme has been widely welcomed, with one industry figure writing on social media "I'm a site manager in Dundee and Fife and I'm buzzing that girls are getting this opportunity."
- Published12 February
- Published6 February 2023
- Published3 days ago
Tracy saw a need to create a course specifically for women based on her own experience of working in the industry.
"I knew there was a need," she says.
"Even within my social circle, the amount of females that I know that are desperate to learn and want DIY skills or say 'you know, I wish I could have done that when I was younger' so I knew there was a demand there."
Social media supporters echoed the demand, with some requesting that the college run an evening class to help women who just want more confidence doing DIY projects themselves.
Although the pre-apprenticeship course offers no official placement for students, many employers have already contacted the college to offer real-world experience.
"Over the past few years it's getting better and companies are actively recruiting females within their workforce, opening up the sector to a whole different section of the population," Tracy says.
"There's a diverse range of career opportunities, and many construction companies provide a supportive environment for women to thrive in the sector, with mentoring, safe working environments and networks."