Experiential Learning Projects
Equate Scotland partners with industry-leading organisations and training providers to deliver practical and hands-on programmes which provide women with skills-based learning opportunities. These 3–4-day learning courses are designed to equip women and other underrepresented students with in-demand practical skills within STEM sectors which can be added to their CV. This also provides a networking platform for women and other underrepresented students to meet and learn alongside other people with similar interests and at similar stages of their careers.
Equate ConStructED 2023
WE:Build Retrofitting 2025
WE:Build Retrofitting Learning Event 2025
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Date: 1–3 October 2025
Attendees: 18 participants
Partners: BE-ST, Changeworks
Sponsors: HCI Skills Gateway, Balfour Beatty
Location: BE-ST Campus, Glasgow, Scotland
About the Event:
WE:Build 2025 is a three-day blended learning programme designed to empower women and underrepresented groups to gain practical skills in retrofitting and low-carbon construction. The event combined online modules, hands-on workshops, and industry-led discussions to address the urgent need for sustainable building practices and a diverse talent pipeline. Equate Scotland has previously delivered similar retrofitting training in 2022, building on that experience to enhance the 2025 programme.
Highlights:
- Day 1: Online training on retrofitting principles and digital construction
- Day 2: Practical sessions on insulation, airtightness, and building physics; panel discussion with Changeworks
- Day 3: Assertive communication workshop, advanced retrofitting techniques, and networking activities
Testimonials from Participants:
- “The programme provided practical experience and networking opportunities in a supportive environment.”
- “I learned about retrofitting techniques and assertive communication—both were invaluable.”
- “Loved the hands-on sessions and the diversity of participants; collaboration was fantastic.”
- “Training was top-notch, great facilities and trainers. I wish there were more courses like this.”
- “Assertiveness training was amazing—I now feel more confident advocating for myself.”
Impact Highlights:
- Most participants reported improvements in communication, technical skills, confidence, and teamwork
- 100% rated the programme as very satisfied or satisfied
- Strong interest in future career opportunities in retrofitting and low-carbon construction
ConStructEd 2024
Equate ConStructEd 24
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Date: 28–30 May 2024
Attendees: 34 women and minoritised gender students
Partners: ExpLearn, Sibbalds Training Ltd, Sunbelt Rentals, Balfour Beatty, Jacobs, Morrisons, Beatsons Concrete
Sponsors: HCI Skills Gateway, Balfour Beatty
Location: Sibbalds Training, Blackridge, West Lothian
About the Event:
ConStructEd is a three-day onsite experiential learning projects for women and minoritised gender students in engineering, construction, and the built environment. Equate Scotland has delivered seven ConStructEd experiential learning projects between 2017 and 2024, as well as a Women in Construction project in 2022, building a strong foundation for inclusive skills development in the sector.In 2024, participants built a concrete footbridge and wind turbine structures, gaining hands-on experience in a live site environment.
Testimonials:
- “The empowerment of women and the validation that we have a place on site.”
- “This programme tied everything together from my HNC in Construction Management. It gave me confidence in my knowledge and abilities.”
- “ConStructEd helped me deepen my understanding of the building process. I’m so grateful for this opportunity.”
- “The event exceeded my expectations in every way. Thank you, Equate Scotland, for hosting such a meaningful and enriching event.” – Kuan Yun Leng
Impact Highlights:
- 28 participants reported increased confidence
- 25 improved communication and teamwork skills
- 4 students received summer placements with Balfour Beatty
- 100% satisfaction rate among feedback respondents
WIDS Women in Data Science
WIDS Women in Data Science 2024
Date: 1 February 2024
Attendees: 40 participants (women and non-binary professionals)
Partners: The Data Lab, Dundee College
Location: Online interactive session
About the Event:
WiDS 2024 was an empowering event designed to inspire and support women and non-binary individuals in data science. It featured career journeys, practical insights, and networking opportunities, with sessions led by industry experts. Equate Scotland has a strong track record of delivering Women in Data Science events, including one in 2024, two in 2023, and one in 2022, building a growing community of women in data and AI.
Highlights:
- Francesca Matthews: From Geography graduate to Data Analyst in financial services
- Blaga: Transition from journalism to Data Scientist at STV, building ML models for real-world problems
- Support resources from The Data Lab and Equate Scotland
- Reflection activities and networking
Testimonials:
- “Sam Rhynas as the guest speaker was engaging, informative and inspiring.The teaching on day 2 and 3 could have had more structure and focus on learning how to use the tool.”
- “I really enjoyed learning about Power BI and getting to network.”
- “It was great meeting people from different organisations.”
- “Enjoyed day one. Lots of variety and things to consider.”
Impact Highlights (WiDS 2024):
- Awareness of career opportunities in data science: 4.4 / 5
- Confidence increase during the course: 3.8 / 5
- Networking value and meeting professionals: 3.2 / 5
- Knowledge of how businesses use data: 4.4 / 5
Passivhaus Low Carbon Upskilling Programme
Passivhaus Low Carbon Upskilling 2023
Date: 28–30 August 2023
Attendees: 14 participants
Partners: Built Environment – Smarter Transformation (BE-ST), Equate Scotland
Location: Hamilton International Technology Park
About the Event:
This immersive three-day programme focused on Passivhaus principles, retrofit standards, and digital construction. Participants engaged in hands-on workshops, factory tours, and live build sessions to develop practical skills for low-carbon construction. Equate Scotland has previously delivered similar Passivhaus and low carbon training, including one programme in 2023 and another in 2022, building on this experience to enhance the learning outcomes.
Highlights:
- Day 1: Online learning modules on Passivhaus principles and retrofit standards
- Day 2: Build-your-own Passivhaus workshop, airtightness demo, and guest speaker Lorraine Wood
- Day 3: Factory tour, Wikihouse live build, and career talk by Louise Rogers
Testimonials:
- “Eco-friendly, practical, and exciting – a great opportunity for upskilling.”
- “Loved the hands-on sessions and learning new tools.”
- “Would have preferred more time for practical activities.”
Impact Highlights:
- Before the course, most participants felt only moderately confident about pursuing a career in low-carbon construction, with a small group feeling highly confident. After the programme, confidence levels shifted significantly, with over half of the participants reporting high confidence and the rest feeling moderately confident.
- Initially, the majority of participants rated their theoretical and practical knowledge of retrofit, Passivhaus, and modern construction methods as low or moderate. By the end of the training, nearly all participants had moved into the moderate or high knowledge categories, with over a third now feeling highly knowledgeable.
- Understanding of career opportunities in low-carbon construction improved dramatically. Before the event, only a few participants felt they had a clear understanding, while most were unsure. After the programme, almost everyone reported having a good understanding of the opportunities available in this growing sector.
