INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY – A construction perspective

According to International Women’s Day, for women to attain gender parity it will take over a century.   Given the well-publicised work force shortage that is one of the many trials that the construction sector is undergoing, it asks the question can construction wait that long for females to become an effective force within the sector.

We report on some of the success stories of those ladies that have already stepped into the construction limelight and the strategies that are striving to encourage others to join them.

HJK CONSTRUCTION

With women making up only 14% of the 2.1 million people working in UK construction and just 2% of SME housebuilding businesses owned and run by women, HJK Construction is helping to make the industry more accessible to women.

Elli Kiely, Design & Innovation Director, at HJK Construction has been appointed a Might Nine Mentor with the ‘I Am a Housebuilder’ campaign. This national initiative, launched by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for SME Housebuilders, aims to break down barriers for women in the construction sector and increase female representation in SME housebuilding businesses.

Speaking about the initiative, Elli Kiely said, “Across the North West during the last financial year, 17,910 properties were completed, down from 18,910 in 2022/2023. Labour has promised to deliver 370,000 homes annually across the UK, yet we’re falling significantly short. We need more skilled professionals to meet this goal, and women are key to making this happen. By increasing visibility, providing mentorship, and improving recruitment strategies, we can ensure that housebuilding becomes a more inclusive and thriving sector.”

Elli continues, “Unlocking the potential of the fantastic female talent is essential to driving innovation and boosting housing supply. HJK Construction fully supports this initiative and is committed to creating a workplace culture where women can thrive.”

The ‘I Am a Housebuilder’ Campaign aims to showcase successful women within the sector to inspire and attract more female talent, create a strong mentoring network to help women progress into leadership roles and work with trade bodies and recruitment organisations to promote careers in construction for women of all ages.

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CONSIDERATE CONSTRUCTORS

How the construction industry is becoming more welcoming for women

The construction industry, traditionally dominated by men, is now evolving towards greater inclusivity and diversity. Companies are actively creating inclusive workplaces that support women, recognising that diversity is key to the sector’s success—especially amid a skills shortage.

Ahead of International Women’s Day, which takes place on Saturday, 8th March 2025, Jackie Janssen, Head of Communications at the Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS), the champions for change in the construction industry, highlights five best practice strategies being adopted by the construction industry that are helping to make the sector more accessible to women.

Establishing Women’s Networks and mentorship programs

Creating dedicated support networks for women within construction firms provides a platform for discussion, professional development, and advocacy. A number of CCS partners have introduced Women’s Networks, allowing female employees to connect, share experiences, and discuss challenges they face in the industry. These networks can help to foster a sense of community, build confidence, and promote a culture of mutual support.

Mentorship programs also play a vital role in helping women advance their careers. By pairing less experienced employees with senior professionals, these programs offer valuable career advice, encouragement, and practical guidance on navigating an industry that has historically been male-dominated. Structured mentorship ensures that women not only enter the sector but also thrive in leadership positions.

Offering flexible working arrangements

One of the biggest barriers preventing women from joining or remaining in the construction industry is the lack of flexible working arrangements. However, this is beginning to change, particularly with the government’s proposed Employment Rights Bill, which aims to make flexible working the default from day one unless an employer can prove otherwise.

Many construction firms are already adapting by introducing part-time roles, job sharing, and hybrid working models. These initiatives enable women—especially those with caregiving responsibilities—to balance their careers with family commitments. By offering flexible working from the outset, construction companies can demonstrate their commitment to inclusivity while ensuring they do not miss out on talented professionals.

Providing inclusive facilities on site

Creating a more welcoming environment for women should go beyond policies and include practical changes on construction sites. Some positive examples include investment in gender-inclusive facilities, including self-contained, lockable toilets and private nursing rooms for new mothers.

Another essential consideration is Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Traditionally, PPE has been designed for male body shapes,

often making it uncomfortable and unsafe for women. Companies that provide PPE in women’s sizes send a clear message that they value and respect their female workforce. Simple yet impactful steps like these help break down barriers and create a more comfortable and professional working environment for all employees.

Addressing unconscious bias and gender equality training

Cultural change starts with education. Unconscious bias training is being adopted by forward thinking companies to help employees recognise and challenge stereotypes.

Gender equality workshops are another powerful tool. These sessions typically cover workplace inclusion, leadership development, and breaking down barriers that prevent women from progressing in their careers. Investing in regular training not only creates more inclusive workplaces but can also improve team dynamics and overall productivity.

By tackling unconscious bias, construction firms can shift mindsets and ensure that hiring, promotion, and leadership opportunities are truly based on merit rather than outdated perceptions of gender roles.

 Promoting female role models and inspiring future generations

Visibility matters. Actively highlighting female leaders through case studies, social media, and leadership programs are popular ways to challenge industry stereotypes. Meanwhile outreach efforts, including school visits, career fairs, and mentorship programs can help to introduce young women to construction careers.

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HEATHER FLEMING

How apprenticeship set her on the path to a successful career 37 years ago.

Campaigning trade association SELECT has tracked down Scotland’s first-ever female electrical apprentice to discuss her career journey in an inspiring new video for Scottish Apprenticeship Week.

Former textile machinist Heather Fleming tells viewers how she got her big break 37 years ago, how she insisted on being treated as an equal to her male counterparts – and why she still believes an apprenticeship is an invaluable way to help climb the career ladder.

Produced in partnership with the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT), the video has also been released ahead of International Women’s Day on Saturday 8 March.

In the film, entitled Blazing a Trail, Heather reveals how she switched careers when she joined SELECT Member firm HF Electrical in Glasgow in 1988.

She says: “I was working as a sewing machinist in a factory and had the afternoon off, so went to the local careers office and found a leaflet called Would You Like to be an Electrician?

“Electricity had always been like black magic – it was just there – so it piqued my interest and I thought, ‘I’ll go for it and if I don’t get it, I don’t get it.’

“I was sent for an aptitude test and then told, ‘You’ve passed everything. Where would you like to work?’ I had no idea so they set me up with an interview at HF, I got the job and started work.”

Heather duly became Scotland’s first female electrical apprentice, attending Clydebank College – now West College Scotland – but insists she was never given any special treatment.

She tells the film: “HF looked after me but there was never any, ‘Wow, you’re the first’. I still had a job to do and there was an attitude of, ‘This person is part of our team and we will make sure we give her opportunities.’

“Although I’d gone from a very female-oriented job to a very male oriented one, for my own part it was just a job and I didn’t think it was any big deal.”

Heather also said she also insisted on equality as she continued her studies at Stow College, night school and university, revealing: “I was the only female in most classes and sometimes the lecturers would say, ‘We’d like to put you forward for something because you’re female.’

“But I always said, ‘I’m not the best person for that, not if there’s a guy that’s better than me – put them forward’.  Just because you’re a female you don’t need to be promoted more.”

After rising through the ranks and working at a consultancy, Heather gained a degree in Building Services and is now an engineer with the Estates Department at the University of Edinburgh, who are also members of SELECT.

She said: “Life is about earning money and having a good lifestyle and an apprenticeship will get you to the stage of having a good job and being able to go up the tree.”

The video also comes more than three decades after Heather discussed her apprenticeship in SELECT’s cabletalk magazine, in which she said: “Sometimes there’s some taunting on-site, but I try to ignore it and if that doesn’t work I just give it back to them.”

And she said: “I think the attitude to women in the workplace in general has changed since then. I just think it’s a natural progression and I’ve been accepted in every job that I’ve been to.”

SELECT Director of Employment Affairs Catherine Gillon said: “As we celebrate achievements of electricians everywhere as part of our 125^th anniversary, we are grateful to Heather and the University of Edinburgh for giving up their time and allowing us to discuss her journey in the industry.

“Some 37 years after we first interviewed her, it is heartening to see that Heather is still working in our sector. It shows that with a solid apprenticeship and the ongoing support of industry bodies like SELECT and SECTT, anything is achievable.”

SECTT CEO Fiona Harper added: “Heather’s story is an inspiring one and is the perfect example for Scottish Apprenticeship Week as it shows the rewards and opportunities that are available to young learners starting out on their own career path.

“As we look ahead to International Women’s Day, it also shows that there are no barriers in the electrotechnical industry and we should rightfully celebrate the achievements of the many women who currently enjoy successful careers at all levels of the sector.”

Watch the new video here.

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CONSTRUCTIN INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD

The Construction Industry Training Board is urging more women to consider a career in construction and continue the upward trend

The number of women starting construction apprenticeships has risen dramatically in recent years according to a new report from the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB). The ‘Construction Apprenticeships 2025: Challenges. Opportunities. Support’ report found that 1,450 women started a construction apprenticeship in 2018-19, but this has jumped to 2,420 to in 2023-24.

The findings, compiled using statistics from the Department for Education, reveal a two-thirds (67%) increase in women starting construction apprenticeships. The positive news is enhanced with CITB’s report also showing that the number of women completing their apprenticeships significantly increased over the same period.

340 women completed their construction apprenticeship in 2018-19, but this had increased by more than 170% to 930 women completing their apprenticeship in 2023-24.

This rise in female starters and completions suggests a future with greater gender diversity in the construction industry. Changing attitudes towards gender roles and the introduction of policies aimed at promoting gender equality will help further decrease the gender and skills gaps.

The findings are a positive sign for the construction industry, and CITB intends to build upon this. Earlier this week, the company launched the 2025 iteration of the Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction Awards. Additionally, in its recent Strategic Plan 2025 – 29, CITB listed one of its key objectives is to inspire and enable diverse and skilled people into construction.

CITB intends to promote construction careers to over 5 million potential new entrants, highlighting that there are over 180 different occupations in the industry. Similarly, there are over 100 different construction apprenticeship roles that lead to careers in the industry for people at every stage of their career.

Lucie Wright, Head of Careers Strategy at CITB, said:

“We need more women in construction. It’s incredibly heartening to see the number of women starting construction apprenticeships increasing – long may this continue. As an industry, we need to actively promote to as diverse a range of applicants as possible and make sure we get the conditions for working in the industry right for as many different people as possible.

 “We recently launched the Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction Awards 2025, back for the fourth year running. The programme is one of the ways we strive to recognise the wonderful women and allies who are driving real change in the construction industry.

 “For any women thinking about their career options, I and CITB urge you to consider a career in construction. There’s so much to admire about the industry, and it’s a great place for women to work and thrive.”

 Read the full report ‘Construction Apprenticeships 2025: Challenges. Opportunities. Support’ CLICK HERE

BEDFORD COLLEGE

The Bedford College hosted a Building the Workforce of Tomorrow: Education Meets Industry event yesterday to celebrate Women in Construction week. The event was aimed at employers looking to diversify their workforce, address skills gaps and connect with the future generation of talent in construction.

The event, which took place at The Connolly Centre for Modern Construction, brought together local construction and building services companies with students and staff to champion female participation in the sector and create valuable industry connections.

The event saw the participation of 10 employers, including BPHA, ECL Civils, JPP UK, Kier, Modplan Mechanical & Electrical Installation Ltd, Neville Trust, Tilia Homes, Wadys, Willmott Dixon, and Winvic. Each organisation had the opportunity to share best practice and showcase their commitment to providing opportunities for the future generation of the construction workforce.

One of the employers and guest speaker at the event Kayleigh Merritt, Talent development manager at Winvic Construction said: “The event has been great, it was lovely to get a tour of the amazing facilities and bring the students and employers together here. It is very important we continue to ensure strong role models from a young age throughout education for the industry, which is why this event today at Bedford College is so pivotal.”

Attendees had the opportunity to tour the college’s state-of-the-art construction facilities, gaining first-hand insight into the advanced training and resources available to students. There was also an opportunity for industry discussion and networking enabling students to engage directly with professionals, learn about career pathways, and explore potential employment opportunities.

With women making up just 15% of the construction workforce, events like this are key to raising awareness and encouraging more women to consider careers in the industry. By highlighting successful women in construction and offering opportunities to connect with industry leaders, the event helped challenge stereotypes and inspire the next generation to pursue fulfilling careers in the field.

Student at Bedford College who attended the event, Kayla Cox, studying a T-Level in Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction and the Build Environment said: “I was really happy when I received the email about this event today, it has been so exciting to speak to companies and pick their brains. Most of my family have a background in construction, so I have always had a strong interest in buildings and architecture, which is great for me to be able to apply into all aspects of my life. There is definitely still some reluctancy for women in construction, events like this are so beneficial for us to speak to others and prove our work ethic.”

Kathryn Lusk, Group Head of Business Development at The Bedford College Group said: “Events like today are invaluable in bridging the gap between education and industry. By working closely with employers, we can provide our students with real-life opportunities that not only enhance their skills but also shape their future careers. The connections and conversations held during the event truly have the potential to transform lives and strengthen the construction industry with fresh, diverse talent.”

Employers interested in partnering with Bedford College to support the development of the next generation of construction professionals are encouraged to email training@bedford.ac.uk  or call 01234 291747.

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LUTZ-JESCO

Women, go for it! The technology sector needs more woman engineers

Women have a hard time in the male-dominated technology sector and are taken less seriously. This is a media and societal misrepresentation that urgently needs to be addressed. In a time in which industry faces a shortage of young talent, it is vital that women are not discouraged from pursuing a career in this area. This is the view of Lisa Kagerbauer, an engineer at the pump and dosing specialist Lutz-Jesco in Wertheim, speaking on the occasion of International Women’s Day.

“What counts is performance, not gender”, says Lisa Kagerbauer, an engineer at the pump and dosing specialist Lutz-Jesco

“I have to work twice as hard to be accepted”; “I can’t afford to make any mistakes, otherwise everyone will think that women aren’t cut out for this job”; “I need to adapt and make sure I don’t stand out too much”. The list of misconceptions that hinder women who would like to work in the male-dominated technology sector industry is long.

However, the reality is usually much more progressive, stresses Lisa Kagerbauer, who has worked since 2020 as an engineer at Lutz-Jesco, a specialist manufacturer of industrial pump technology and dosing systems based in Wertheim in Baden-Württemberg. “From an early age, women are presented with a rather distorted picture of life by the media and society that doesn’t match reality in most cases”, says Kagerbauer.

“The idea that women in the technology sector constantly have to assert themselves does not match my experience.”

According to Ms Kagerbauer, her positive experience began during her studies, when she shared a flat with two male fellow students. “We supported each other, and gender never even came into it”, recalls the 32-year-old. She also did not experience any prejudice or discrimination at university. “I studied under two woman professors who were highly competent and recognised as valued experts in their fields.”

What about her transition to employment? Here too, gender was not an issue. “As a woman fresh out of university, I was appreciated and supported from the very beginning.” Many older colleagues were impressed by her passion for technology and didn’t hesitate to share their knowledge and experience with her. “The idea that women in the technology sector constantly have to assert themselves does not match my reality. What counts is performance, not gender.”

“It is vital to Germany’s future that more women contribute their potential to the technology sector.”

According to Ms Kagerbauer, in times in which young talent is at a premium, it is important that women also enter the technology sector. However, women remain under-represented in this area. Figures from the Federal Statistical Office show that the proportion of women employed in technical research and development in 2023 amounted to just 18 per cent.

“In my opinion, it is vital for Germany’s future that more well-qualified young women bring their potential to the technology sector”, says Ms Kagerbauer. She has the following tip for women interested in the field: “be confident and follow your own path. The men are usually on your side. Be confident in salary negotiations. Make realistic demands and never sell yourself short.”

Lisa Kagerbauer helped her older brother with maths, even when she was still at nursery school

Lisa Kagerbauer’s enthusiasm for technology and the natural sciences developed at an early age, and she started helping her brother with his maths homework even when she was at nursery school. “I have always been fascinated by the fact that maths works as a kind of universal language with unerring logic,” recalls Kagerbauer.

After leaving school, she studied process engineering and chemical engineering at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). She specialised in food process engineering and completed her master’s degree with a focus on rheology, researching the flow characteristics of milk foam. “I made and smelled milk foam every day for half a year. Since then, I take my coffee black”, Kagerbauer laughs.

She started work as an engineer at Lutz-Jesco in 2020. In the system and process technology department, she and her team develop water treatment systems for industry and sewage treatment plants. “I love working in an informal atmosphere with great colleagues. It suits me much better than the anonymity of a large corporation.” She only missed the exciting night-life of the big city for a while. Now, she appreciates the peace and quiet of the countryside. “I have settled in and don’t want to leave.”

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SAINT-GOBAIN INTERIOR SOLUTIONS

Women in construction are breaking barriers, driving change, and shaping the future of the industry. Their voices and experiences prove that progress is happening – but there’s still more to be done.

This International Women’s Day, British Gypsum and Isover – businesses that are part of Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions – are proudly celebrating the women who are making an impact in the construction sector. By sharing their stories, we’re championing their achievements, amplifying their voices, and paving the way for an even more inclusive industry.

Katie Anderson is Performance Manager at British Gypsum East Leake Works which produces bagged plaster and plasterboard. She has seen the business take proactive steps to help more women into its workforce. “We have got a lot more women coming through which is great,” she said. “It will take a while to change but I definitely see positive movement in that regard.”

Katie joined British Gypsum in 2019 as a project leader and has progressed rapidly through the ranks. She is encouraging other women to consider construction manufacturing as a fulfilling career. “British Gypsum has really helped me with my training,” she added. “So even if you don’t have the skills initially, they can help you to develop those skills.”

However, Katie says she still occasionally encounters gender bias. “Sometimes it can take a bit more time to build up a rapport or respect with people, it’s important to get to know people as individuals and learn to communicate with them in the most appropriate way.”

Last year, Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions supported the launch of I am a Housebuilder. Founded by a cross-parliamentary group, it aims to grow the number of women working in the housebuilding industry. It is fronted by seven women who hold prominent roles in construction – dubbed the Magnificent 7. One of them is Xuan Meng, CEO of Cozy Haus. She started in property development after taking maternity leave from an investment fund.

“It took me a lot of effort and mental determination to plunge myself into building Cozy Haus because it is something I’ve never done,” she said. “I thought to myself, if I could make this a success, it could give me the flexibility to be my own boss and also the flexibility to look after my daughter and the financial stability I wanted for my family. This was my chance, I took it, and I think that it was the best decision I ever made.”

Cozy Haus now employs over 30 people and has more female staff than male. “I think that 60% of our staff members are female and a lot of them are single mums,” added Xuan.

“I believe that, because you are a mum, you have more reasons to work hard not only because you have to provide financially but also because you have to lead by example.”

As part of their mentoring programme, each of the Magnificent 7 will give one-to-one mentoring to women taking their first steps into the housebuilding sector. Georgina Hammond, Co-Founder of Beau Property, has taken 21-year-old graduate Abbi Bird under her wing as her mentee. Abbi saw the Magnificent 7 announced on LinkedIn and reached out to them about mentorship.

She first became interested in construction aged 13 when her dad asked her to help with a building project. As a teenager she relentlessly pursued her passion, even switching schools to study construction and engineering before going on to complete a university degree. She is now shadowing Georgina while looking to start her career in construction management.

“I really want to help her to navigate her career, to grow within her next role and be able to set goals for what her career is going to look like,” said Georgina. “I hope that she achieves becoming an MD of a PLC housebuilder because I know that she’s got it in her. She’s incredibly determined, she’s so enthusiastic, and she loves building houses. She’s incredibly technically minded.

“It is so amazing and encouraging that people from that next generation have the enthusiasm and want to get into this industry because they feel so passionately about it and love it. So, I think from Abbi’s perspective, the sky is the limit and she can achieve anything.

“Women need this support in an industry that is male dominated. I think that if we had this conversation again in ten years’ time, that would look very different. But while we go through that transition period, there needs to be role models and support for women that are making the move to enter this industry, to help them thrive.”

The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is Accelerate Action, focusing on driving progress for gender equality.

Rachel Kelly, Head of Brand for British Gypsum and Isover said: “We are proud to support International Women’s Day and are accelerating our efforts to bring talented women into our workforce.

“Women remain underrepresented in construction, facing barriers such as gender bias, lack of career visibility, and limited opportunities for progression. We are committed to addressing these challenges by amplifying female voices, promoting inclusivity and providing pathways for women to thrive in the sector.”

The Building Better Hub provides resources and talking points on workforce gender diversity and other major industry issues. To hear more from some of the industry leaders featured in this article or to discover more about what women in construction have to say, visit the Building Better hub: CLICK HERE

TRAVIS PERKINS

Construction Colleges: A Study on The Future Of The Industry

The percentage spread of women enrolling onto trade courses at some of the UK’s largest colleges is increasing, new research has found.

Builder’s merchant and breeze block walls material supplier Travis Perkins has compiled the statistics after receiving responses to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request about construction-related courses from Bedford College, City of Glasgow College, Chichester College and Hull College.

The age split of people on these types of courses is also swinging towards the younger generations, as we will delve into further when analysing the data received.

The number of women studying a trade qualification

At three of the four colleges which responded to the FOI request, it was found that the enrolment percentage split has seen an increase in female students for the 2023/24 student year compared to the previous year.

Even at Chichester College where the percentage split didn’t rise, the number has kept consistent.

The percentage splits across the four colleges in full are as follows:

• Bedford College – 6% of all enrolments onto trade courses for the 2023/24 study year were by women, up from 4% in the 2022/23 study year.
• City of Glasgow College – 21.1% of all enrolments onto trade courses for the 2023/24 study year were by women, up from 17.1% in the 2022/23 study year.
• Chichester College – 5.6% of all enrolments onto trade courses for the 2023/24 study year were by women, the same as was recorded in the 2022/23 study year.
• Hull College – 6.7% of all enrolments onto trade courses for the 2023/24 study year were by women, up from 6.6% in the 2022/23 study year.

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