Rebecca registered with Women into Construction in February 2021 after researching pathways into the industry and discovering the Hill and WiC partnership.

Following a 1-2-1 IAG session with WiC where Rebecca detailed her experience and discussed aspirations and roles, she was referred onto training as the first step of her WiC action plan. Rebecca went on to complete the Level 1 Health and Safety certificate and CSCS test to gain her CSCS card with Clarion Futures.

As practical work placements were unavailable due to Covid restrictions at the time, Rebecca took part in the Hill and WiC virtual work experience week in April. Here, Rebecca gained further insight into production, commercial and technical opportunities available in the sector. The experience included Q&As with the Hill teams, interactive activities, and workshops designed to increase the participants’ knowledge, confidence, and pre-employment skills.

Once restrictions allowed, Rebecca was offered a 2-week work experience placement with Hill on their Cromwell Rd site in Cambridge. The practical work placements allow participants an opportunity to shadow someone working in their disciple of interest, in Rebecca’s case, the production team. Here participants gain experience working for the first time on-site in a new environment and are able to understand the role further. The placements are supported by WiC, who visit on the first and last day, help set goals, provide PPE and cover travel expenses. The placements are an opportunity for participants to gain hands-on experience at no cost to them and are a valuable demonstration on their CV of their commitment to gain employment in the industry.

Talking about her time on-site, Rebecca commented, “The team at the Hill site were amazing. They welcomed me in as one of their own, had a clean separate bathroom waiting for me, and couldn’t have done more in terms of answering my many questions, and allowing me the opportunity to take lead on my experience. I was never short of help, and everyone was so friendly.”

Following the experience, Rebecca applied for a Trainee Site Manager role at Taylor Wimpey and was successful! Rebecca started her new role in July.

Rebecca is keen to be a role model to other women who want to enter the sector – feeling that more pathways for career changers, with a starting salary that values their transferrable skills, is vital if the industry is to attract more female talent. We couldn’t agree more! Rebecca’s call to action to other women? “Get into construction! If you’re looking for a pathway into the industry, I couldn’t recommend the WiC programme highly enough. From the very beginning, I have felt supported, educated and empowered.”

For details on current Women into Construction programmes, visit our programmes page.