A £1m training facility has opened in Battersea aimed at encouraging women to join the construction industry.
The Astins Institute is initially offering women-only apprenticeships to make the industry more accessible to females.
Six women, two of whom are from London, have been given a two-year fully-paid apprenticeship with a guaranteed job once they have completed it.
None of the apprentices, who were chosen from a shortlist of 600, have previous experience in construction.
A spokesperson for Astins Institute said they were identified as having the talent and drive to become the "best in construction".
It is also hoped that the women, who are expected to earn up to £1,000 a week at the end of the apprenticeship, will help open up employment opportunities for young women in the construction industry.
Astins Institute director, Sally Friedlander, said: "The UK construction industry is a male-dominated place. Its record in the employment of women is embarrassing.
“Less than 1 per cent of construction site workers are women. Astins believe this has to change if the construction industry is to develop to its full potential."
At the end of the two years each apprentice will have an NVQ qualification and experience in all areas of internal construction and fit-out including carpentry, metal working and dry lining.
The Astins Institute plans to continue offering women-only apprenticeships over the next five years.
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