More women are being attracted to the world of bricks and mortar in a Brent college, which reports an eight-fold surge in enrolments to construction and engineering classes.

The number of women training in the trades at the College of North West London, in Dudden Hill Lane, has soared over two years.

Marlene Toner, 33, from Kilburn, decided to study painting and decorating, because she wanted to save money and revamp her home. She said: “I think it’s great to see women in the construction industry, we need more.”

Marcia Mignott, plumbing lecturer at the college, said: “I think it’s fantastic to see so many women signing up for what have traditionally been seen as male dominated industries.”

“There’s nothing that the men on the courses can do that these students can’t and they’ve certainly proved themselves. They should be seen as role models for other young women who don’t want to be shackled by stereotypes and convention.”

“There are great career opportunities in construction and engineering which are open to both men and women.”