Year 10 students from The Holt School, Wokingham and King’s International College, Camberley – as well as pupils from Wellington College – joined the group for a tour of the £12 million state-of-the-art facility , boasting a1,400-spectator standing capacity.
The event included a walk through the College’s historical buildings, followed by a networking lunch where students were able to meet with construction professionals and learn more about opportunities for young people, particularly women, in the industry.
“We were delighted to show WiP and the students around this fantastic new Performing Arts Centre,” said Amanda Cassar, Beard Business Development Advisor. “Beard is extremely supportive of the great work WiP does to encourage women into construction careers.
“Involving young people in events like this brings classroom learning to life in a way that we hope will inspire more young people – especially women – into our industry. We want them to know that construction offers fantastic career opportunities in many different disciplines.”
The new 2,580m2 round timber-clad Performing Arts Centre will become the hub of the college’s new Cultural Quarter, housing a theatre and concert hall, dance and recording studios, and music practice rooms. The space between the College’s existing Christopher Lee theatre and the new auditorium will become a ‘cultural living room’ looking out on to the surrounding forest and creating a public square.
Established in 1987, WiP is committed to increasing the number of women in the property and construction industry, and to ensuring that there are no glass ceilings impeding the progress of those already working in the sector. Although great strides have been made, women still account for only 15 percent of the workforce.
Marcia Gillings, chairman of Women in Property South East, says: “This is exactly the sort of ‘real life’ activity which inspires young people to consider a career in the built environment. Women in Property has an education programme which includes competitions, school visits and the National Student Awards, all of which illustrate just how exciting, challenging and rewarding this sector is. I’d like to thank Beard and Wellington College for their hospitality and commitment.’
