Nationwide scheme launched to attract more female site managers

The Home Builders Federation and not-for-profit organisation Women into Construction have launched an England-wide employment programme to encourage more women into residential construction. 

Women will be able to access support with childcare and training costs through the funded scheme, which is hoping to raise the proportion of females which make up the construction workforce from its current level of 16%. It is particularly designed to raise the number of female site managers, just 4% of which are currently women, according to Women in Construction.

The HBF and Women in Construction are working on the project closely with housebuilders including Barratt Developments, Bellway Homes, Cala Homes, The Hill Group, Keepmoat, Persimmon Homes, Redrow, St. Modwen and Vistry Group. 

Jenny Herdman, director for HBF’s home building skills partnership, said: “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.”

Jacqui Wordsworth, Women into Construction’s business development director, added: “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.”  

Work placements at sites across England will give women first-hand experience of the site manager role and how they could help deliver homes.

 The employment programme is also expected to 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

There is an online information session at 11am on Tuesday 31 January 2023, which women interested in the programme can sign up to on the Women into Construction website.