16 September 2026
Hamilton-based retrofit and energy-efficiency specialist Procast Group has visited a local nursery to challenge gender stereotypes, promote equality and inspire the next generation of women in construction.
Kirstie Adams, Orla Innes and Amy Brown of Procast Group visited Escape to the Story nursery, also based in Hamilton, to lead a workshop breaking down gender stereotypes associated with the construction industry. The team shared their own career journeys with the children, demonstrating the range of opportunities available to them, regardless of their gender.
Defect Co-Ordinator Orla Innes and O&M Co-Ordinator Amy Brown are currently studying for their HNC in Construction Management with plans to progress to degree-level study, providing the children with a real-life example of the career options and educational pathways available in the sector.
The workshop also included a briefing on site safety and a practical demonstration of construction tools.
Escape to the Story is an outdoor nursery that adopts to a holistic approach to early childhood education. Working in partnership with South Lanarkshire council, the nursery exposes children to our natural environment, allowing them to explore their self-awareness and feed their natural curiosity.
The outdoor learning programme features a wide range of stimulating activities designed to help children build resilience. From numeracy, to journalling, to learning how to care for the wildlife on site, the children are supported to reach their potential by gaining a sense of the world around them.
The visit marks a continuation of Procast Group’s long-standing support of Escape to the Story nursery. The company has previously donated building materials, engineered a tube maze and built several outdoor cabins used as classrooms, helping to support the nursery’s learning environment.
Kirstie Adams, Support Services Director at Procast Group said: “It is great to support Escape to Story nursery. It was a powerful opportunity to visit the children and challenge gender stereotypes around working in construction.
“Children often categorise jobs as inherently male or female and it’s important to break down those barriers early. Attitudes towards women in construction are continually improving and there is no limit to what women can achieve – that’s exactly what we wanted to instil in the children at kindergarten age.
“We always enjoy working with Escape to the Story and we look forward to providing continued support. Perhaps we have even inspired a few future Procast apprentices!”
Lisa Marie Innes, owner of Escape to the Story located at Crookedstone Cottage on Hamilton’s Limekilnburn Road, added: “It was great to have the team of women in from Procast to show our children what working in construction can really look like. It was fantastic to see our young people engage so well with their visit.
“Escape to the Story really embraces working with partner business and organisations to give as enriching an experience to our young people as possible, so we are hugely grateful to Procast for their ongoing support.”
The nursery visit forms part of Procast Group’s ongoing commitment to supporting the communities it operates in beyond the scope of its projects.
For more information on Procast Group visit our website. More information on Escape to the Story is available here.
