March is Women in Construction Month, a time to highlight the valuable contributions of women in an industry that has historically been male-dominated. While progress has been made, challenges remain, and it is more important than ever to inspire, support, and encourage more women to build careers in this sector. Through the experiences of women working in construction-related industries, we see a promising shift toward inclusivity, leadership, and opportunity.
Entering the Industry: Confidence Over Hesitation
For many women, stepping into construction wasn’t necessarily part of their original plan, but once they entered, they found a rewarding career path filled with growth opportunities. Hannah, a HR professional in the industry for over 20 years, shares her experience:
“I don’t think I was hesitant. I think probably going into it, I was quite naive early in my career, and I didn’t perhaps realise quite how male-orientated it was.”
Despite the gender imbalance, many women push forward undeterred. Emma, an HR Advisor, echoed a similar sentiment:
“I was aware it was a male-dominated industry, but that didn’t put me off.”
These stories highlight an important message: confidence, no hesitation, defines success in this industry.
An Evolving Landscape: More Women in Leadership
Over the last decade, the construction sector has seen a notable increase in women moving into senior-level positions. Companies are also becoming more proactive in recruiting and retaining female talent. Hannah has observed this transformation firsthand:
“Over the last six, seven, eight years, I would say there’s been a notable increase in the amount of women moving into more senior-level positions.”
She also acknowledges that businesses are taking active steps to attract more women:
“A lot of companies are proactively now thinking, ‘What can we do to attract more women into the sector?’”
Opportunities Beyond Traditional Roles
A common misconception is that construction careers are limited to roles on-site. However, women are making an impact across various fields within the industry, including HR, finance, marketing, procurement, and operations. Emma encourages women to explore these diverse career paths:
“There are so many career opportunities beyond traditional roles—HR, marketing, finance, procurement.”
Women like Hannah appreciate the dynamic, fast-paced environment and the opportunity to work with a wide variety of people, from area sales managers and engineers to finance directors and production teams.
A Supportive and Inclusive Future
As companies continue to embrace diversity, the industry is becoming more welcoming and supportive for women. Emma emphasises this positive shift:
“I would highly recommend the industry to women; it’s welcoming and full of potential.”
With ongoing initiatives to increase female representation, provide mentorship, and foster inclusive workplaces, the future for women in construction is brighter than ever.
Encouraging the Next Generation
For women considering a career in construction, the advice is clear: don’t let outdated perceptions hold you back. Whether you’re drawn to HR, engineering, project management, or leadership roles, there’s a place for you in this growing industry.
This Women in Construction Month, we celebrate the women breaking barriers, challenging norms, and shaping the future of the industry. Their success stories serve as an inspiration for the next generation of women ready to build their careers in construction.
To read the full transcription of Emma and Hannah’s career in construction follow the links below.
