Women in Construction
To celebrate Women in Construction Week, we’ve interviewed a few women working for large contractors and at different levels/stages of their careers to understand their perspective of the industry they work in.
Sally Postle from Graham Construction
Sally has been working in construction for the last 5.5 years. Currently as a Quality Manager but previously a quality engineer and site engineer straight out of university following a BEng in Civil Engineering.
Graham Construction are a leading main contractor that we’ve been working with for over 3 years. We help keep Graham’s projects on track thorough consistent nationwide service and delivery of all their site setup and consumable products to site. Our mutual success has been through collaboration on sustainability and streamlining their process through the e-procurement portal.
Did you always want to work in construction?
Yes pretty much, I did my work experience in a multidisciplinary engineering firm and spent half a day in each team and came out at the end of the week wanting to be a civil engineer
What do you love most about working in the construction industry?
I love that no two projects are the same, so it’s like a new challenge every year or so when a new one comes in
Do you have any advice for young people thinking about a career in construction?
Don’t think that you have to have typical topics such as maths to get in, there’s so much more to it than just design and calculations – getting out on site and working within project teams is a great environment and there’s so many different roles to get involved in.
Women working in construction is becoming more common, but do you think there is still some kind of stigma or misconception preventing more women from joining the industry?
I think there must be, or there would be more than there are. I think certain parts of the job such as working away would possibly put women off when they’re looking to the future of having children etc.
In your view, what does the industry need to do to help attract and retain more women?
The industry needs to be more diverse overall, more diversity within the project teams would allow for better ideas and working practices as people consider things differently to others which will benefit the industry in the long term. The industry needs to understand what issues women face which are different and capture and improve these in order to retain the women that may be interested in the construction industry.
Abbi-Leanne Haynes from Knowles Construction
After falling into the construction industry Abbi has found it one of the best career choices she has made. Abbi has been an assistant buyer at Knowles since September/October 2020 and has eight years of construction industry experience.
Bryson has been supporting Knowles for over 5 years now on a host of exciting projects in the high-end residential sector covering the south of England.
Did you always want to work in construction?
Not at all, I actually studied towards working within the Travel & Tourism Industry. I fell into this industry by accident, but it has become one of the best career choices I have made.
What do you love most about working in the construction industry?
The fact that no 2 days are the same. Throughout my 8 years in the industry, I can honestly say I learn something new every day. I also love seeing each of our projects going through the various stages from start to finish, it really does fascinate me as I love architecture.
Do you have any advice for young people thinking about a career in construction?
Hard work really does pay off. Whether you have a degree, or you start from the bottom, it is still quite easy to climb the ladder as long as you apply yourself. Be confident and willing to adapt yourself as new building applications, techniques and procedures are being introduced all the time.
Women working in construction is becoming more common, but do you think there is still some kind of stigma or misconception preventing more women from joining the industry?
From my own perspective and experiences, the industry has come a long way. When I first started out in the Builders Merchants, I found it difficult to build up my client base just because I was a woman and they all assumed I had a lesser knowledge than my male colleagues. Once I built up my confidence and with backing from my colleagues and managers, I managed to get through preconceived notion this and excel. In my current position as an Assistant Buyer at Knowles Construction, I can honestly say I have not faced any of these issues and I was quickly able to prove myself to be very competent to our site managers and suppliers alike.
In your view, what does the industry need to do to help attract and retain more women?
I believe it is pretty clear the industry is becoming more equal. I see more and more woman in various roles, even on the grab lorries etc. if anything this needs to be encouraged more within schools and vocational colleges to attract such students into the industry. At that age, I didn’t even know myself how diverse the construction industry could be, hence why I opted for Travel and Tourism. If I knew then what I know now I would have 100% joined this industry a lot sooner and would probably be a lot more advanced in my career.
Rosie Walsh from CField Construction
Rosie is at the beginning of her career in construction. As part of her degree, she is on a placement with CField Construction for the next six months.
Bryson and C Field have been working together for around 2 years now, keeping a close relationship with their buying team and site staff. We’re particularly pleased to be supporting one of their largest sites, which is in fact visible from our HQ!
Did you always want to work in construction?
I am currently studying Civil Engineering in University in Ireland and I’m on placement with CField for the next 6 months, I didn’t know until university that I wanted to work in construction.
What do you love most about working in the construction industry?
I like that it's hands on work and every day is different.
Do you have any advice for young people thinking about a career in construction?
Yes, go for it, it's far less daunting than you think.
Women working in construction is becoming more common, but do you think there is still some kind of stigma or misconception preventing more women from joining the industry?
Yes, there always will be to any minority but that doesn’t have to be a bad thing it can sometimes work in your favour.
In your view, what does the industry need to do to help attract and retain more women?
To show girls at a young age the opportunities are there for them.