Women encouraged to work and train on the Olympic Park

Olympics Minister Tessa Jowell today attended a taster session to help women access training and jobs in construction.
The Minister joined local women at the Construction College on the Olympic Park where they could try out diggers and other construction equipment. Attendees also learned more about the training and employment opportunities available to help build the venues and infrastructure for the London 2012 Games.

The taster sessions are part of the ‘Women into Construction’ initiative launched by the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) which is aimed at getting more women involved in construction.

Tessa Jowell also met women that have already received training and work on the Park.

Olympics Minister Tessa Jowell said: ‘The London 2012 Women into Construction project is an excellent example of how we are using the Games to blaze a trail for equal employment opportunities.

‘Not only will this programme help more women get construction jobs working on the Games, but also make a significant contribution to breaking down gender barriers within the industry as a whole.’

There are currently 155 women working on the Park, with jobs ranging from dumper truck driver to general machine operative.