Highlights from WE:Build Retrofitting Learning Event and Leading Women into Sustainable Construction
WE:Build Retrofitting Learning Event 2025
1-3 October 2025, Equate Scotland hosted WE:Build, a three-day immersive learning experience designed to develop practical skills and confidence in retrofitting and sustainable construction.
Delivered in partnership with Built Environment – Smarter Transformation (BE-ST) and Changeworks, the event brought together industry experts, trainers, and participants from underrepresented backgrounds for a transformative mix of hands-on training, career insights, and personal development workshops.
🌍 About WE:Build
WE:Build is part of Equate Scotland’s commitment to advancing gender equality and inclusion in STEM and the built environment. The experiential learning event project empowers women and individuals from underrepresented groups to explore careers in construction and sustainability, combining practical learning, industry connection, and inclusive community building.
Participants gained:
🔹 Hands-on experience in retrofit and sustainable building techniques using BE-ST’s state-of-the-art training rigs
🔹 Insights into the future of sustainable construction and Scotland’s path to net zero
🔹 Communication and confidence-building skills to thrive in the workplace
🔹 Real-world inspiration from women leading the retrofit transition
🔧 From Theory to Timber: Practical Training at BE-ST
The programme began at BE-ST’s innovation campus, where participants explored the foundations of retrofitting through safety awareness, timber factory tours, and hands-on assembly of floors, walls, and roofs.
Under the expert guidance of Scott and Hugo from BE-ST, participants learned how to insulate against heat, moisture, and air, linking the physics of construction to real-world applications.
“I really enjoyed the mixture of practical hands-on learning, demonstrations, online modules, and discussion panels.”
This on-site experience offered a unique chance to connect sustainability theory with the tangible skills shaping the future of Scotland’s construction sector.
👷♀️ Women Leading the Way in Retrofitting
A highlight of the event was the Changeworks panel discussion, featuring five inspiring women in leadership — Liz Partington, Corinne Morrison-Gillies, Jill Craig, Nicola McIntosh, and Miranda Baird — each shaping Scotland’s retrofit future.
They shared their experiences leading retrofit projects, tackling climate change through energy efficiency, and navigating diverse career paths into sustainability.
✨ Miranda spoke about her journey from casinos and home support work to a degree in Quantity Surveying and a role at Changeworks — proof that determination and transferable skills can reshape careers.
✨ Nicola reflected on her path from returning to education to becoming a Programme Manager, showing how persistence can build a meaningful career from the ground up.
“These stories reminded us there’s no single route into sustainability — and that diversity strengthens innovation and leadership.”
💬 Building Confidence and Communication
The final day featured a workshop with Dr. Ellen Walker-Davis, who guided participants through assertive communication techniques to help them advocate for themselves, set boundaries, and speak with confidence in workplace settings.
“Through group activities and learning how to structure assertive communication, I feel more confident about advocating for myself in the workplace.”
✨ A Celebration of Learning and Leadership
The WE:Build Retrofitting Learning Event was more than just training — it was a celebration of collaboration, empowerment, and inclusion.
Participants left with new technical skills, industry knowledge, and a network of supportive peers — ready to play their part in building a fairer, greener future for Scotland.
🎥 Watch our event highlights video to see the energy, learning, and community in action.
💜 Thank You
A huge thank you to everyone who made this event possible — our partners BE-ST, Changeworks, and all the inspiring speakers, trainers, and participants who brought WE:Build to life.
