An exclusive event for female customers was held at Coventry Job Shop on Wednesday 5 March which welcomed over 200 women.
As part of International Women’s Day celebrations, the event focused on highlighting women’s roles in industries traditionally over-represented by men.
Current figures that show that 84% of men dominate the construction industry, 81% in the logistics sector and approximately 83% in Digital Software Engineering roles.
The event showcased established female leaders in fields such as construction, the armed services, logistics and digital. It aimed to create a platform for successful females to motivate Coventry residents to explore new and promising sectors.
Notable employers included: Hill Group, Balfour Beatty Vinci, West Midlands Police, Mclaughlin and Harvey, Octavius, West Midlands Fire, Prune Software and Tarmac. Speakers from these organisations showcased their personal journeys and spoke about their incredible achievements throughout their careers.
Additionally, Coventry Adult Education, Coventry College, NIS Group, RMF and Challenge TRG-Skills were on hand to offer valuable advice on relevant training programs and educational opportunities.
Councillor Dr Kindy Sandhu, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills said: “The ‘I Can’ exclusive event for females was an important and momentous way to mark International Women’s Day. I heard some really powerful stories on the day from some wonderful women who are looking to start new careers. I also heard from some employers about all the brilliant things they have achieved so far, which was really inspiring for everyone there.
“We are really serious about supporting women into careers that have good jobs, offer good pay, good terms and conditions and in careers where they feel they can belong and thrive. Thanks to this event, local women are now equipped with the right advice, support, information and most of all confidence to go and try something new and exciting. I wish them all the best of luck on their future pathways.”
Attendees had the opportunity to participate in a dynamic jobs fair, where they were able to apply for live vacancies and engage with skills providers to talk about the necessary qualifications needed for these exciting career paths.
Sam Wraith, Stakeholder and Social Value Manager at Octavius said: “It was such a pleasure to be a part of the ‘I Can’ event held at The Job Shop. It was a privilege to speak in such a fantastic facility full to the brim with inspirational speakers and listeners.
“We all had different back stories, are on different journeys and facing different challenges. The Job Shop bought us all together to unite us as one to share our experiences and be part of IWD 2025. It was a great turn out for a fabulous event”.
The event was a great way to celebrate the successes and skills of female Coventry residents. It also inspired employers to work towards having a more diverse group of employees.
Elysha Coulson, an event attendee said: “The event was very informative and inspiring. I’d really like to attend something similar in the near future”.
To find out more work and training opportunities, drop into the Job Shop on Smithford Way to speak to one of the Employment Coaches, or contact the Job Shop on: 024 7678 5740 or jobshop@coventry.gov.uk.
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For any media enquiries, contact the Communications Team at: communications@coventry.gov.uk or 024 7683 4848.