The founders of a new £3 million industry-led construction training facility are planning a women-only training cohort this year.

Accxel in Cinderford was founded by sisters, Natalie Bell and Nicola Bird, who want to encourage more women into the construction industry.

According to the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), only 14 per cent of the construction workforce are women with only two per cent on site as trades workers, such as electricians or bricklayers.

Natalie and Nicola want to increase the number of women joining the industry - from directors and engineers to carpenters and electricians. They are working with Seetec Pluss, part of the Seetec Group, to develop the female construction leaders of the future.

Natalie Bell said: "My sister and I were actively discouraged from going into construction, even though we were the third generation of family construction business, KW Bell.

"For us, getting women into the industry is a massive step. There are so many opportunities for women in construction, but they don't necessarily have the access routes. We want to make it more even, learn what are the barriers to entry and take them away.

"With Seetec, we are planning a women-only cohort to start in the next few months, as some women may not want to be in a male group.

"The change needs to start at school. We are bringing school groups to AccXel and plan to roll out a schools' programme."

Suki Binning, Seetec executive director justice, social care and skills, said: "This is a great example of the opportunities that are available, whatever your gender. Our business is passionate about creating inclusive work cultures where women can thrive in any career they choose, and it is so encouraging to be working with so many businesses that embrace gender equality."