WE:Build ConStructEd 2026

Gain real construction site experience in this free 4-day programme for women students & graduates. Apply by 15 April.

Equate Scotland’s flagship ConStructEd project returns for its 8th year, offering a unique 4-day, hands-on construction experiential learning opportunity for women aspiring to build careers in the construction and built environment sector.

This immersive learning event is designed for:

• Women in their 2nd year of a civil engineering or built environment-related degree
• HNC/HND college students
• Women with previous construction or built environment experience who wish to return to the sector

Delivered in partnership with ExpLearn – Concrete Scotland, Skills Development Scotland, Forth Valley College and Balfour Beatty, participants will work in teams to design and construct a real-life project that will remain onsite and operational as the team’s legacy. Expert instructors and industry mentors will provide support throughout.

"This programme tied everything together from my HNC in Construction Management. It gave me confidence in my knowledge and abilities."

"The event exceeded my expectations in every way. Thank you, Equate Scotland, for hosting such a meaningful and enriching event."

What you will build:

Depending on the number of participants, the final project will be confirmed after registration closes. Potential projects include:

• Pathways
• Viewing Platforms
• Bird Watching Observation Points
• Road Alignment
• Fencing
• Public Allotments
• Jetties
• Drainage and Soakaways

Technical Skills you will develop:

• Health and safety, including basic understanding and production of risk assessment and method statements (RAMS)
• Principles of Design from Concept to Construction
• Setting out, working with a variety of instrumentation relevant to levelling and point locating in relation to construction
• Excavation and other Civils’ tasks
• Materials, working with a variety of different materials used within construction
• Construction tasks and activities to create a variety of structures
• Environmental considerations
• Waste management and Sustainability within a live workplace
• Cost Control and Budgetary Management
• Quality Assurance, Quality Control and Management

Programme Schedule:

Day 1- On-site in Edinburgh

• Project Management, Teamworking, Confidence and Communications training from Equate Scotland
• Overview of employment opportunities and support from SDS
• Study progression routes from Forth Valley College
• Working in construction insights from Balfour Beaty

Day 2 – 4

• On-site construction learning

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

All essential personal protective equipment (PPE) will be provided, including a snood (face covering), gloves, safety goggles, a high-visibility jacket, and a hard hat. Participants are required to bring their own steel toe safety boots each day. If you do not already own safety boots, Equate Scotland can reimburse up to £15 per participant towards their purchase. Reimbursement can be claimed by completing an Expense Claim Form (which will be provided during the event) and submitting the original VAT receipt as proof of purchase.

Travel and Accommodation

Based on individual circumstances, Equate Scotland will cover travel and accommodation costs for eligible participants who have requested financial support. Successful candidates will receive a Student Information Pack with full details of travel, accommodation and other logistical arrangements.

Free on-site parking is available from Day 2 to Day 4 for participants travelling by car.

Sponsorship

We welcome sponsorship for WE:BUILD – ConStructEd 2026 and are pleased to work with our growing partner network. More sponsors will be announced soon. Learn about sponsorship opportunities here