THE Government is urging women to consider a career in jobs traditionally taken up by men.

Employment Minister Esther McVey said there will be 12 million vacancies over the next decade in sectors such as construction and engineering.

She highlighted a new Government campaign - #NotJustForBoys - set to be launched in a bid to challenge stereotypes.

Speaking at an employment roadshow in Birmingham, she said: "Despite a record number of women in work they are still under-represented in many of the industries, for example engineering, science and construction, where they can be the role models in traditionally male-dominated jobs for the next generation.

"Let's not forget that if women set up businesses at the same rate as men there would be an extra 150,000 starts-ups every year.

"I want to see even more women take advantage of Government job schemes so we can see more female Richard Bransons take on the business world. They can do it, it's not just for boys."

About 260,000 women work in the construction industry, up by 14,000 over the past year.