WOMEN’STEC, Northern Ireland’s trailblazing champion for women and girls in non-traditional skills, is delighted to announce the grand opening of its brand new North West workshop and training hub at Ráth Mór Business Park on Friday, 26th September, 2025.
This new workshop is set to transform opportunities for women and girls across the North West, opening doors to exciting careers in joinery, plumbing, electrics, IT, car mechanics, construction trades, and beyond. The North West hub marks a bold new chapter in WOMEN’STEC’s mission to smash stereotypes and create real pathways into industries where women have been underrepresented for far too long.
The launch event will be a celebration of progress and possibility, featuring a keynote address from Dr. Caoimhe Archibald MLA, Minister for the Economy, who will officially open the workshop with a ceremonial ribbon cutting. The day will bring together passionate supporters, partners, and #notjustforboys Champions, all united in their commitment to increasing the number of females in construction.
WOMEN’STEC Chief Executive Lynn Carvill said: “Today is a milestone for WOMEN’STEC and for women and girls across the North West! We are incredibly excited to open our doors and welcome women and girls of all ages. When women and girls are given the chance to build their confidence and skills in trades, the impact is life-changing, not just for them, but for their families and communities. This new hub means more women will have the support, training, and encouragement they need to step into careers they may never have thought possible. Together, we’re breaking down barriers and proving that these opportunities are for everyone!”
Minister Archibald added: “My Department launched the Apprenticeship Inclusion Challenge Fund last year to support innovative projects, such as this, to increase apprenticeship uptake among women, people with disabilities, and those from disadvantaged areas. I therefore welcome the establishment of this new workshop in Derry, as well as Women’s Tec commitment to providing training in non-traditional skills.”
The Minister added: “The good work of WOMEN’S TEC strongly aligns with my Economic Vision. They are promoting regional balance by expanding into the North West. They are contributing to productivity by unlocking the potential of underrepresented groups, and they are creating pathways into good jobs by equipping women with the skills they need to thrive.”
About WOMEN’STEC
WOMEN’STEC is Northern Ireland’s largest provider of training for women in non-traditional skills. With hubs in Belfast, Newry City, and now the North West, WOMEN’STEC empowers women and girls to gain skills, confidence, and access to meaningful careers in industries where they are still too often overlooked. Working with partners across the VCSE, public, and private sectors, WOMEN’STEC is on a mission to challenge gender stereotypes and build a more inclusive future for all.
