The construction industry is making moves to encourage more female graduates to consider the sector as a career choice, with a new initiative developed by a number of bodies.

Female Graduates into Construction is a scheme created by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), which has coordinated efforts with the Construction Youth Trust, the College of Estate Management and a number of universities.

The project is intended to promote the management roles available to women in the industry as well as to match graduates with firms and to provide ongoing structured training.

Chris Hughes, chair of the CIOB's graduate diploma programme management committee, remarks: "Breaking down the barriers for women with the potential for successful careers in construction must be a high priority for the industry in the 21st century.

"This project will make a significant contribution to that ambition."

Earlier this year the institute welcomed the 2007 Budget report, which indicated a number of grants to be made available for those making efforts to construct energy-efficient new homes.