ONLY three per cent of apprenticeships in construction, planning and the built environment were taken up by women and girls in the 2017/18 academic year, according to a paper discussed at the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Employment and Skills Panel.

The startling data from the Education and Skills Funding Agency highlights that these key sectors, which face particular skills demand, continue to be dominated by male entrants.

In comparison, 85 per cent of apprenticeship starts in lower-paid health, public services and care professions were female, while only 15 per cent of males started apprenticeships in these areas.

A range of national research shows that male-dominated apprenticeships such as construction and engineering offer better pay and prospects than those in which women are concentrated.

Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Chair of the Future-Ready Skills Commission, said: “We are reminded that more needs to be done to redress the gender balance in apprenticeship starts.

“Not only are women and girls missing out on better pay and better career prospects in sectors that offer massive opportunities for growth, but so is our economy. Demand for skills in the construction and engineering sectors is huge, so we need to find ways of overcoming outdated stereotypes and encourage more young women into these sectors.

“As a Combined Authority and LEP we are doing our bit locally, including our #FutureGoals initiative, which encourages teachers and young people to explore the amazing opportunities in high-demand sectors."