Women are being encouraged to roll their sleeves up and learn traditionally manly trades at Oxford's further education college.

Oxford Women's Training is running several all-female courses in tiling, plumbing, joinery and plastering at the Oxford and Cherwell Valley College (OCVC) campus in Blackbird Leys.

On Monday, the college will hold an open day for women interested in learning more about being handywomen and the construction industry.

One of the courses being promoted is Jobs For the Girls - a 12-day project which teaches women a basic level of plastering, joinery and wood trades.

The course is free of charge and primarily aimed at women over 25, because younger women have access to apprenticeship schemes.

Julie Moloney, projects officer for Oxford Women's Training, said: "What they love is the practical aspect - getting their hands on the tools. It is about rolling your sleeves up and getting stuck in."

Women do not need any qualifications to take the course, which runs on Mondays and Tuesdays for six weeks. Successful participants end up with a Level One Open College Network qualification in Building Skills.

Mum-of-one Karina Myers, 27, from Abingdon, completed the Jobs For The Girls course last year and is now doing a 19-week Construction Skills course at the college. She said: "I have always had an interest in crafts. Tiling was my first passion and I wanted to expand on that. You also make good friends."

Sarah Keenan, 17, from Acacia Close, Carterton, who is also taking the Construction Skills class, said: "I just wanted to be able to help out around the house.

"Coming to this course has changed my opinion and I feel there is more to construction than it just being for men."

To find out more about the courses visit OCVC in Cuddesdon Way between 10.30am and 2.30pm on Monday.