On Monday, March 17th, a group of Year 9 girls had the opportunity to visit the headquarters of our local construction firm, Walter Lilly. During the visit, the students toured the office space, learning about the company's hot-desking system, the various perks offered, such as free food and drink in the office kitchen, and the celebratory bell rung when a building contract is won – a moment that many of the girls likened to what happens in the film The Intern. 

The group also took part in a session in the company’s conference room, where they heard from women working in diverse roles at Walter Lilly, including Quantity Surveying, Project Management, Accountancy, and Marketing. These discussions highlighted that while construction has traditionally been seen as a male-dominated field, women are thriving in the industry, and companies like Walter Lilly, along with many others, are eager to attract more females into the profession.

The students were introduced to various educational pathways into the construction sector, including Walter Lilly’s degree apprenticeships, which allow students to earn a degree without incurring tuition fee debt.

They also learned about the impressive earning potential in construction, with some roles offering six-figure salaries, in addition to the day-to-day responsibilities of these positions. The girls asked insightful questions, helping them make more informed decisions about their futures.