Emily plugs plumbing

Emily today plugged work in the construction industry as a great way for women to make a living. She joined Minister for Women, Meg Munn MP and Claire Curtis-Thomas MP in Old Street to learn about plumbing. 

The event was organised by the Islington based group Women and Manual Trades. The MPs learnt the top five plumbing tips and took part in a practical session on pipe work - including bending and joints! The session also involved a 10 minute washer challenge, where the MPs had to race to take a tap apart and change the washer.

Meg Munn MP, Deputy Minister for Women and Equality said:

"Women and Manual Trades champions women working in the construction industry. Women are an untapped resource to fill shortages in construction - we need more women to meet this demand."

Emily Thornberry MP said:

‘The construction industry needs women. I hope more women will consider a career in construction, which can be a great way to learn a living. It's fun and well paid.'

The event was hosted by Claire Curtis-Thomas MP the first woman professional engineer to be elected to parliament in its history and the Chair of the All Party Group on Construction Skills and Training.

Notes:

• Women are underrepresented within the construction industry making up only 0.9% of the total manual workforce. 88,000 more workers are needed annually to meet the skills shortage according to the CITB (Construction Industry Training Board).
• Women and Manual Trades is the only national organisation of women manual workers construction industry. http://www.wamt.org/
• JIVE (Joining Policy + Joining Practice) works in partnerships that seek to inspire and support women and girls to pursue careers in SECT and tackles the barriers which prevent women and girls from pursuing and re-entering careers in these sectors. JIVE is funded by the European Social Fund under the EQUAL Community Initiative programme, the DTI, Yorkshire Forward and partner organisations. For more information visit http://www.jivepartners.org.uk/