Celebrating women in construction on International Women’s Day

This week marks a very special week for women in the workplace as we celebrate both Women in Construction Week and International Women’s Day.

International Women’s Day, this year, shines a spotlight on a desire to inspire inclusion and celebrating the achievements of women who work.

We asked a few women across our different business units to share their experiences working in construction, including what they feel is the most empowering part of their role and advice they would give to others looking to start a career in construction.

1. Joanne Taylor, Finance Manager, Northern Region

Joanne started her career in construction 12 years ago as a purchase ledger clerk for a small Yorkshire-based housebuilder. Here at Tilia Homes she’s progressed to the position of Finance Manager working closely with Rebecca Hudson, our Finance Director and our Senior Leadership Team.

What do you enjoy the most about your role?

I enjoy the variety of each day. It’s so rewarding to see a challenge and figuring out how to overcome it and how to do so in the most efficient way possible. I also enjoy getting to work with the different departments, from sales and commercial and even customer service and marketing. It’s nice to have a full picture of the business to help solve those conundrums!

What do you think is a popular misconception about the construction industry?

The construction industry is much like any other, there are so many opportunities for lots of different skill sets. We’re not all out on site getting mucky every day, although it is fun to get out to our developments to see how your part plays in the bigger picture and helping people move into their homes.

If you could give your younger self a piece of career advice, what would it be?

Be open to any career! I would advise myself to listen to the advice around me; friends, families, colleagues, but ultimately remember my path is my own.

Describe your role in 3 words…

Analytical, diverse, supporting

2. Nicole Harris, CIOB Quantity Surveying Technician apprentice, Eastern region

Nicole is currently working towards her CIOB Quantity Surveying Technician Level 4 qualification and is already learning a lot about the role. Nicole is based in our Bedford office working alongside the team led by James Haldron.

What is your advice for someone looking to pursue an apprenticeship?

Ask lots of questions and try to link what you learn to the work you do.

What do you think is a popular misconception about the construction industry?

That every role is out in the mud and the rain – that’s only some of us! There is a vast range of roles and opportunities available to people, which can easily be used in housebuilding. The construction industry is more than just bricks and mortar and requires lots of different skillsets to work as a well-oiled machine.

What advice do you have for women looking to pursue careers in construction in the future?

Keep asking questions and be assertive when you need to be. Trust your instincts and be ready to learn!

3. Danielle Coyne, CIOB Quantity Surveying Technician apprentice, Eastern region

Danielle has also started the CIOB Quantity Surveying Technician Level 4 qualification in our Eastern region.

What do you think is a popular misconception about the construction industry?

A popular misconception is that the construction industry is male dominated. I feel that in the last 6 years I have been in the industry I have noticed a real difference in the number of women joining the industry within various roles.

What is your advice for someone looking to pursue an apprenticeship?

I think doing an apprenticeship is a great opportunity. You get to learn and gain a qualification without taking away that hands on experience and it doesn’t affect how much you earn.

I would say do your research as to what the course has to offer and make sure it’s the right one for you. Also make sure you have the support from your employer which is very important.

What is your career goal / what would you like to achieve in your career?

I am currently an Assistant Quantity Surveyor. I would like to complete my Level 4 and the progress on to a Level 6, eventually working my way up to a Senior Quantity Surveyor.

What advice do you have for future women looking to pursue a career in construction?

I would say do it! Construction is a very large and diverse industry. There are a wide range of job roles and there is something for everyone regardless of your background or education.

4. Amy Crisp, Technical Coordinator, Western region

Amy Crisp has been in the housebuilding and construction industry for 12 years, working from our Western regional office. Amy started out in admin roles with no previous construction experience before progressing through the ranks to become an invaluable member of our technical team.

What do you enjoy the most about your role?

It’s never boring!

What benefits and challenges have you experienced being a woman working in construction?

In the early days, I feel there have been occasions when people have mistaken what role I’ve been in as a woman in construction. However, I’ve been very fortunate to always have a supportive team, as well as exposure to learning new skills and training. There are also a number of women in construction events to attend, which are really interesting and offer you a wider view of the whole industry and not just Tilia Homes.

If you could give your younger self a piece of career advice, what would it be?

Study engineering! If I had my time again, I would definitely do that. I don’t think it was ever suggested to me as a possible career when I was at school.

What advice do you have for future women looking to pursue a career in construction?

Explore all the different roles within the industry as there are many varied ones to suit different skills sets. Don’t let lack of previous experience hold you back from entering the industry!

Describe your role in 3 words…

Varied, challenging, busy

5. Charlotte Collins, Senior Site Manager working for Tilia Homes, Eastern region

Charlotte has been in the construction for the past fourteen years and knew from an early age that this was the industry for her. She started her career as a carpenter apprentice before becoming a Trainee Site Manager. Today she is the Senior Site Manager at our Roundhouse Gate development, in Cringleford.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I enjoy and take pride in the fact that I don’t only build houses, I build homes and communities for our customers to enjoy which a is a brilliant feeling and gives you real sense of achievement.

What struggles have you found being a woman in construction?

I joined the construction industry in a time where woman in construction where less heard of than they are today where the opinions and point of view from a young manager wouldn’t be taken on board as lightly as others.

If you could give your younger self a piece of career advice, what would it be?

I would tell my younger self to be a little more patient and enjoy in more of what I have achieved.

What advice do you have for future women looking to pursue a career in construction?

Never to give up on their goals and ambitions. Don’t to take no for an answer and to carry on with their hard work and commitment to reach their full potential.

What do you think is a popular misconception about the construction industry?

That woman in construction are usually put in office positions, when in fact they can work in all areas of construction, from on the tools being a trade to being in site management teams running the developments to office staff and sales. The opportunities are endless, depending what career you decide to venture down.

Describe your role in three words.

Productive, Challenging, Satisfying