A successful initiative set up to support women working in the construction sector, has been granted £420,750 further funding to continue.

The government-funded Women and Work: Sector Pathways Initiative is led by Construction Skills and aims to help get women into construction work and supports women already working in the sector to get further training.

In Phase 1 of the scheme, more than 2,200 women were helped to access work-related training and support initiatives in the construction industry - beating the target of 1,800. Funding for Phase 2, granted last year, saw £660,000 set aside to support recruitment, retention and progression of women in the industry.

Almost 700 candidates received benefits including health and safety training, technical skills, professional development and mentoring support.

Phase 2 Highlights include:

67 women already in construction admin roles undertaking training and support with a view to progressing in to a trade, technical or professional role within the sector

13 female apprentices and 15 female graduates received additional support and training to aid retention within the sector

6 tradeswomen have become self employed and started their own businesses as a result of training and support received

584 women received additional upskilling training and support to encourage and assist in the progression of women into more senior roles within the construction sector and also aid retention of women within the sector

"ConstructionSkills has a good track record of working to increase the diversity of the workforce, and our Positive Image campaign continues to target potential new entrants to the industry, changing perceptions and challenging stereo-types," said Sir Michael Latham, chairman of ConstructionSkills, the Sector Skills Council for the industry.

In the last year 688 women were supported through work, training for a new job or with new skills and allowing them to progress into higher level and better paid roles.

"I am delighted the programme has been extended as it will allow ConstructionSkills to continue building on these positive outcomes."

The initiative is overseen by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills. The scheme has already benefited more than 10,000 women, training them for a new job or new skills and allowing them to progress into higher level, better paid roles, and a further £5M will now enable up to 5,000 more women to benefit.