The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that in Q4 of 2022, 2,171,000 people in the UK worked in construction1. Out of those people, just 321,000, 14.7 per cent, were women2.
Lovell, which is building homes at Drummond Park in Ludgershall and Foxglove Meadows in Weston-super-Mare, is keen to change the stereotype and encourage more women into the construction industry.
Helen Dyer works at Drummond Park as an Assistant Site Manager, where she has been since joining Lovell in July 2021. At school Helen had goals to become a hairdresser, but got into construction after helping her ex-partner run his business.
Helen said: “People still ask me how I got into my role as a woman, but I think the industry is becoming less male-dominated and much more comfortable for women like myself to be a part of. It’s very important for housebuilders and others within the sector to encourage women into construction, as many women don’t consider the industry at first. Lovell has always been very accepting and understanding if I have any problems, they’re a great employer who encourages you to develop and doesn’t exclude any members of the team"
“I love working on Drummond Park and in housebuilding, as you get to meet people from all walks of life and I find construction hugely interesting. Since joining Lovell as an Assistant Site Manager, I’ve found that people are comfortable talking to me about issues they’re having, so it’s lovely to be an ear for people who are struggling.
“I’m currently working on my Site Management Development Programme and on gaining my NVQ Level 6 qualification. Lovell also supports my training by setting me up on courses, and my goal is to progress to Site Manager.”
Beth Constable is a Plumbing Apprentice at Foxglove Meadows, where she works for Taunton Plumbing and Heating alongside studying at Bridgwater and Taunton College. Beth was interested in construction as her dad works in the trade, and she is now training to become a Plumbing Heating Engineer.
Beth, from Bridgwater, said: “When I was younger, I always perceived construction as a male-dominated industry, but since becoming an apprentice, I’ve seen multiple other women on site which is great, as it’s really important to give everybody an equal opportunity.
“I really enjoy being out on site, and love the flexibility that comes with the role. My advice for women interested in the sector is to work on building up muscle for strength, as construction can be very strenuous.”
International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the achievements of women, promoting equality and raising awareness about discrimination.
This year, the theme is #EmbraceEquity, which is all about educating people on the difference between equality and equity, and highlighting why it’s so important. To find out more, visit https://www.internationalwomensday.com/Theme.
Drummond Park is being delivered by Lovell in partnership with Homes England, and will consist of 412 homes on the former Defence Medical Equipment Depot. Drummond Park will feature a collection of 309 two, three and four-bedroom open market Lovell homes, as well as 103 affordable homes – 40 per cent shared ownership and 60 per cent affordable rent – for leading housing provider Stonewater.
1https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peopleinwork/employmentandemployeetypes/timeseries/i4el/lms
2https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peopleinwork/employmentandemployeetypes/timeseries/i4ej/lms
