Employment Programme for Women in Construction Launches

• Content
• People
• Employment Programme for Women in Construction Launches

12 January 2023

Major home builders and a not-for-profit have launched a nationwide employment programme for women, helping to address the gender imbalance in the construction workforce.

The Home Builders Federation and Women into Construction are hoping to attract women into site management roles by offering a unique funded programme that will provide support with childcare and training costs.

The employment programme will include site visits, online development sessions, health and safety training, a two-week on-site placement, and one-to-one coaching and support from Women into Construction, a not-for-profit organisation promoting gender equality in construction.

The project is being supported by nine major home builders who will offer work placements and insights into the industry, roles available and their companies. The home builders involved are: Barratt Developments, Bellway Homes, Cala Homes, The Hill Group, Keepmoat, Persimmon Homes, Redrow, St. Modwen and Vistry Group.

Women into Construction's Business Development Director Jacqui Wordsworth said: "With women representing just 4 per cent of site managers, we want to inspire and encourage more women to take up a career in home building – helping us and our employer partners to change the face of construction.”

Skills Shortage in Home Building Industry

Jenny Herdman, Director for HBF’s Home Building Skills Partnership, added: “The home building industry is facing a significant skills shortage. If we are to build the new housing this country desperately needs, it is vital that we attract a broad range of entrants into the industry.

“HBF is delighted to be working with Women into Construction to increase the number of female site managers in the industry and show that there are opportunities for people of all backgrounds and talents to develop a rewarding career in home building.”

Those interested in the programme can sign up and register for an online information session taking place on 31 January 2023.

Picture: a photograph of a construction site with houses nearing completion. Scaffolding can be seen and a woman wearing construction PPE (a high-vis jacket and a protective had) is standing at the front of the scene, smiling. Image Credit: HBF

Article written by Ella Tansley | Published 12 January 2023

Share

Related Articles