Women into Construction is working with The Home Builders Federation (HBF) to launch a nationwide employment programme for women, helping to address the gender imbalance in the construction workforce, which currently sees just 16% female representation. 

Working closely with employers Barratt Developments, Bellway Homes, Cala Homes,The Hill Group, Keepmoat, Persimmon Homes, Redrow, St. Modwen and Vistry Group, the project hopes to attract women into Site Management roles, offering a unique funded programme that will provide support with childcare and training costs to make the opportunity more accessible.

The employment programme will include:

• Site visits (central locations and online)
• A week of online insight and development sessions, including Q&As with Site Managers and employers, and employability and health and safety training
• Two-week work placement on site
• 1-2-1 coaching and support from Women into Construction

The work placements will take place at employer sites across England, offering participants first-hand experience of the Site Manager role and how they could help the industry deliver much needed homes.

Women interested in this exciting opportunity are invited to register to attend an online information session at 11am on Tuesday 31 January 2023. At the event, they will learn more about the programme and meet the employers involved, including current Site Managers from across the country.

Women into Construction’s Business Development Director Jacqui Wordsworth says: “With women representing just 4% 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.”

Jenny Herdman, Director for HBF’s Home Building Skills Partnership, adds: “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”.

For more information about the programme, please visit the Women into Home Building Programme page.