The campaign theme for International Women’s Day 2020 is #EachforEqual – a theme which aims to highlight the following:
- An equal world is an enabled world.
- Individually, we’re all responsible for our own thoughts and actions – all day, every day.
- We can actively choose to challenge stereotypes, fight bias, broaden perceptions, improve situations and celebrate women’s achievements.
- Collectively, each one of us can help create a gender equal world.
Gender Diversity is the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work, projects or programmes.
AVQ Management are advocates of diversity in the workplace and gender diversity is an integral part of what we believe in and how we operate.
As a training provider specialising in management level qualifications, our training is open equally to both women and men.
We have provided training and qualifications to woman working in industries that are traditionally perceived as being male dominated – from trainee engineers to senior managers. However, the women are very much outnumbered by male candidates.
Many sectors such as construction and engineering are traditionally viewed as male biased industries. In the construction industry, for example, it is believed only around 12% of employees are female – and many of those are in administration and other support roles as opposed to management and professional positions.
The construction industry has identified that there is a skills shortage at all levels. This situation is not being helped by the fact that a huge percentage of the potential workforce (female workers) do not see it as a viable career option.
Study after study shows that gender diversity has benefits to business performance. According to McKinsey & Company, the most gender diverse businesses are 21% more likely to experience above average profitability. Their ‘Women Matter’ study suggests companies perform best when women are strongly represented at senior levels.
We are currently undertaking a marketing drive to encourage employers to put more female employees forward for qualifications. We believe that the training we deliver is the perfect way for employers to boost their gender diversity in supervisory and management positions.
We detail below an example case study of a young female engineer who has gone through an SVQ with ourselves:
“I am currently a trainee engineer with my employer. I joined them as a school leaver and have worked on a variety of different projects where I have gained experience and expanded my knowledge of the construction process. In addition, I am currently undertaking a degree on a part time basis at university.
I recently completed an SVQ with AVQ Management through the Modern Apprenticeship programme funded by Skills Development Scotland. This process required me to apply the experience I have gained on site and the knowledge I have gained at university. As a result, I have gained a valuable and well recognised Vocational Qualification – which qualifies me for the Gold Supervisor’s CSCS Card.
Whilst there are still higher numbers of men than women in the construction industry, I would highly recommend it as a career for women. No two days are the same – it is challenging, exciting and rewarding – Claire McGhie, Engineer, I&H Brown Ltd”
