A new Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) initiative is helping to provide women with new employment and training opportunities within the construction industry, according to Olympics minister, Tessa Jowell.

The 'Women into Construction' scheme, funded by the London Development Agency and Construction Skills, aims to secure work placements for 50 women a year on projects to build venues and infrastructure for London 2012. Jowell attended a taster session for the initiative on 2 December at the Olympic Park along with a number of local women, who were given first-hand experience at using plant equipment, as well as learning about the opportunities available.

"The London 2012 Women into Construction project is an excellent example of how we are using the Games to blaze a trail for equal employment opportunities," said Jowell. "Not only will this programme help more women get construction jobs working on the Games, but also make a significant contribution to breaking down gender barriers within the industry as a whole."

The ODA's director of construction, Howard Shiplee, said, "This project is part of our efforts to ensure London 2012 leaves a long-term employment legacy for East London by helping local people, particularly those currently unemployed, access training and jobs on the Olympic Park." There are already 155 women currently working at the Olympic Park on construction projects, with 34 having come through the ODA programme.

Image: London 2012