A young woman building her own career in construction is helping to inspire the industry’s future workforce by volunteering at a hands-on event for primary school girls.
Mia Ullmer, a Technical Trainee at Miller Homes North West, based in Warrington, volunteered at the Girls in Construction event hosted by Design & Build UK at Bolton School on Tuesday 16th June.
The event welcomed Year 5 pupils from across the region, giving them the opportunity to explore the world of construction through a series of interactive challenges focused on engineering, safety, teamwork and design.
Nine school teams, each made up of five pupils, rotated around eight activity stations throughout the day, providing a fun and engaging introduction to the diverse careers available within the construction sector.
Mia supported one of the activity stations, helping pupils tackle challenges while sharing insight into her own experience of working within the housebuilding industry.
Originally from Middlewich, Mia joined Miller Homes in 2024 through the company’s Early Talent Scheme after completing A-levels in Product Design, Criminology and Geography. With a passion for design and technology, particularly computer-aided design (CAD), she was drawn to a career in construction through an interest in how developments evolve from initial plans into thriving new communities.
Now studying alongside her role at Miller Homes, Mia works within the technical department where she supports the preparation of planning submissions, develops technical drawings and contributes to the design process across a range of developments.
Speaking about the event, Mia said: “Construction offers so many different career opportunities, but it’s not always something young girls are encouraged to consider. Events like Girls in Construction are a fantastic way to show that the industry is open to everyone and that there are careers to suit a wide range of interests and skills.
“When I was at school, I enjoyed practical subjects and design, but I didn’t fully understand how many opportunities existed within construction. If I can help inspire even one young person to explore the industry further, then volunteering at events like this is incredibly worthwhile.”
Clare Horbury, Sales Director for Miller Homes North West, said: “Encouraging more young people, particularly girls and young women, to consider careers in construction is incredibly important for the future of the industry.
“Mia is a fantastic example of the opportunities available through our Early Talent Scheme, and we’re proud to see her sharing her experiences with the next generation. Events such as Girls in Construction play a vital role in breaking down stereotypes and helping young people discover careers they may never have previously considered.”
Miller Homes continues to invest in future talent through its Early Talent Scheme, which provides trainees, apprentices and graduates with practical experience, mentorship and professional development opportunities across a range of disciplines within the business. The company is committed to supporting the next generation of construction professionals while helping to create a more diverse and inclusive industry.
For more information about careers and opportunities with Miller Homes, visit www.millerhomes.co.uk
