Breaking Barriers: Women in Construction
In Northamptonshire, Alice, a spirited 17-year-old stonemasonry student, is challenging the status quo in the construction industry. Despite facing discouragement from companies claiming she couldn’t join the profession “because she’s a girl,” Alice remains undeterred. Her passion for architecture, inherited from her grandfather, fuels her ambition to work on the UK’s iconic stone buildings, like cathedrals.
Alice recently showcased her skills at the SkillBuild competition at Moulton College, where apprentices demonstrated their talents in various construction tasks. Yet, her journey highlights a broader issue: the construction industry’s gender imbalance. With only 15.8% of the workforce being women and a mere 2% onsite, there’s a pressing need for change.
Industry experts predict that an additional 19,750 construction workers will be needed in the East of England by 2028 to meet government housing targets. This demand presents a golden opportunity to attract more women to the field. Encouragingly, the number of women in construction has risen by 36.9% since 2012.
Maizie, another young competitor, emphasises the importance of welcoming more women into the industry. She notes that while her college class is fairly balanced, the industry at large remains skewed. The challenge lies in making these careers accessible and appealing to young people, especially women.
Sean, an 18-year-old from Rugby, echoes the sentiment, pointing out the scarcity of apprenticeships. His struggle to find opportunities underscores the need for more pathways into construction.
At James Anthony Estate Agents, we understand the value of diversity and inclusion in all sectors. As the government invests in a £3bn apprenticeship budget, we hope to see a more balanced and vibrant construction workforce. Together, we can build a future where everyone, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to thrive.
