Tag Archive for: women in construction

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Spotlight on Women in Construction: Firsthand Insights from FBR’s Female Candidates

Spotlight on Women in Construction: Firsthand Insights from FBR's Female Candidates.


Celebrating Women in Construction Week! This is a time to recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions of women in the Construction Industry. Despite being historically male-dominated, women have been breaking barriers, shattering stereotypes, and making strides in various roles within the Construction sector.

In this special blog edition, we’ve had the privilege of interviewing several of our inspiring female candidates. Their stories, experiences and insights shed light on the challenges they’ve overcome, the successes they’ve achieved, and advice for women looking to get into construction.

Interview 1:

Meet Emma Arnold, currently working as an Assistant Site Manager placed by one of our Consultants, Cameron Whitley.

What is your role and what does it entail?
Assistant Site Manager – My job role is to help the Site Manager in delivering construction projects to completion. I generally supervise the project from 1st fix through to handover, this includes organising both trades and materials while also making sure that health and safety regulations are adhered to at all times.

What has it been like being a woman in construction, and how do you see the industry changing?
I have worked in the construction industry for almost 9 years now and I have never had any problems with being the only woman on a site. I think that women on construction sites is becoming more common and generally most men are not concerned about this, I do believe it is down to the individuals you come across rather than the industry as a whole.

What advice would you give other women looking to start a career in Construction?
My advice would be to just go for it, most of the men I’ve come across are more scared of you than you are of them.

Experience on working with me and FBR Recruitment in general.
I first dealt with Cameron from FBR last year when I got made redundant from my previous role, he was very helpful and friendly. He helped me find a new job within one month so my unemployment time was to a minimum.

Interview 2:

Meet Emma Richards, a Contracts Manager placed by FBR.

What is your role and what does it entail?
Contracts Manager for a fit-out and refurbishment company which involves raising orders for sub-contractors, suppliers and materials for each project, material take-offs, putting together the Health & Safety paperwork and site plans as well as liaising with clients, designers/architects and site teams. Projects can range from empty offices to live, multi-occupancy buildings and sites.

What has it been like being a woman in construction, and how do you see the industry changing?
I began in the construction industry back in 2000 starting with an NVQ 3 in Carpentry & Joinery, from there working as a machinist making doors, windows, frames and kitchens etc. I then decided to look into Site/Contracts Management completing various qualification and gaining valuable experience mainly within the shop fitting and fit-out sectors. I have been very fortunate to have worked with some amazing people and companies that have both been supportive and encouraging throughout my career.

The industry has changed a lot over the years and will continue to do so. It is already working hard to encourage more women to pursue a rewarding career within the sector. There’s much more consideration taken and provisions put in place on site as standard and there is now much more choice in site clothing, boots and PPE etc. which is really encouraging. I certainly look forward to the next 20 years and seeing how much further we can progress as an industry.

What advice would you give other women looking to start a career in Construction?
If it’s something you would like to do and are passionate about just go for it, don’t over think it, there really are so many options and avenues you can follow, something to suit everyone from cost management, site management, engineering, trades, designing, architecture, health and safety etc. If you look for the opportunities, they are there to take, be pro-active and enjoy!

Conclusion

As we conclude this blog honouring Women in Construction, we extend our gratitude to the women who shared their stories and insights. These journeys serve as reminders of the resilience, strength, and talent that women bring to the Construction Industry every day.

If you’re a female looking for work within the Construction Industry, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Or to browse some of our current available jobs visit our Jobs Board.

Let’s continue to champion diversity, promote inclusivity, and create opportunities for women to thrive in Construction and beyond.

Together, we can build a brighter, more equitable future for all.

FBR – Construction, Residential, Civil Engineering and Trades and Labour Recruitment Services in the South East of England

We are a recruitment agency serving the South East, Home Counties & South Coast of the UK, including Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Dorset, Essex, Hampshire, Hertfordshire, Kent, Surrey, East & West Sussex and Middlesex. Whether you are a construction contractor, housing developer, civil engineering contractor, client or job-seeking candidate, contact FBR Recruitment for all construction recruitment and staff requirements — we’ll be very happy to help you.

Email Us 023 8033 2438 Message Us Submit CV
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Women in Construction | International Women’s Day

How many women work in construction?

How many women work in construction?
With International Women’s Day looming near we thought we’d look into the women in construction. There are many debates that surround equal opportunity and gender pay gaps.

It is important to keep these in mind when recruiting, which is why here at FBR we look at skills and compatibility over anything else. It is important to find employers the right person for the job, no matter the gender. This applies to securing salaries, our team understands the construction industry as well as the salary for each role.

Traditionally construction has been a male dominated industry for many years. As the world evolves, and with it so does the job market.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we look at all the fantastic women who work in construction. It’s a fast paced industry and not for the faint of heart.

How many women work in construction?

Women currently account for a total of 16.2% of total construction roles. While this number is low, it is showing signs of improvement over the years.

This figure includes roles that are predominantly administrative, and secretarial. According to the ONS, only 1% of this total is in relation to roles such as bricklaying, carpenters, electricians, and other manual skilled workers.

History time; many businesses seem to forget that during WW2 many roles were fulfilled by women while men were being conscripted into the army.

Why have women traditionally chosen other careers instead of construction?

Everyone’s job is a choice. We all have different factors that we take into consideration when looking for a job. Women traditionally were excluded from the workforce in many construction roles. So it was never the case that they chose other careers, simply put society chose the roles for them.

However, that is not the case in our modern day society. As the job market continues to evolve it offers up opportunities for people of all walks of life. This provides businesses with a diverse workforce and talents.

How can construction jobs become more accessible?

Construction jobs are far more accessible than they have ever been. With technology changing the landscape of construction roles it can only be believed that it will continue to make these roles more accessible.

The pandemic sped up many aspects of working environments. It has been found that many people prefer a hybrid work solution. As such construction roles which rely on paperwork and admin processes may be able to accommodate; by offering people the option to do admin at home while attending on site for other requirements.

Here at FBR we look at matching skills and people with the right job. This way businesses get the best talent, and employees remain happy in their roles.

Our skilled recruitment agents are on hand to help businesses find the right employee. As well as matching new candidates with dream roles. From new placements to taking the next career step, our team is on hand to help.

Contact us today to see how we can help you today.

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