The Helios Project
The Helios Project was established in 2005 to examine and address the barriers that lead to the under-representation of women within the construction industry in Northern Ireland.
In the course of the project, 24 women were provided with vocational training and placement opportunities in Joinery, Engineering, Plumbing, Painting, Brickwork and Tiling. Tutors also took part in an Equal Opportunities Awareness Programme, to highlight and challenge their attitudes towards women in the construction industry.
A European partnership was also formed between Helios and their French counterparts, Bâtifemmes. Together they have drawn up a set of recommendations to aid the recruitment of women into construction skills training and trades.
The Helios website has been designed as an accessible resource, to promote the achievements of the project and to disseminate learning at a local, national and transnational level. Project newsletters and progress reports are available for download and clips from our promotional DVD provide footage of the project and commentary from those involved.
