EDUCATION & EMPLOYMENT: A PRELIMINARY STUDY OF FEMALE BUILT ENVIRONMENT UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS IN SOUTH WALES

misbe2011 Tracking Number 207

Recently available figures for South Wales' university’s and college’s intake indicate a ratio of 83 male to 17 female students on undergraduate built environment courses. It could be contended that any increase in the numbers of females attending such courses should reflect more females at the ‘coal face’ but what of the experiences, perceptions and expectations while on those courses? The female respondents were questioned utilising semi-structured, digitally recorded discussions in relation to education, employment and how and why they arrived at their careers determining the influences in choosing that career path. Issues arose including poor careers advice, inappropriate work experience, lack of peer support, a general lack of knowledge of the industry and the perception of outmoded male attitudes. The aim is to ultimately gain a longitudinal view of female experiences over the ‘life’ of their courses and concurrent employment, to ascertain over time if the respondent’s views have changed and original expectations met. It is suggested a better understanding of women’s experiences through a longitudinal study may support the sector to improve the number of successful female built environment technicians