A new initiative aims to support women into site management roles in home building.
The programme has been launched by the Home Builders Federation (HBF) and not-for-profit organisation Women into Construction. It is backed by nine major homebuilders.
Women fill just 16% of senior construction industry jobs, and only 4% of site managers are female, despite there being a skills shortage.
There are 45 places available on the scheme, running in three cohorts, including support with childcare and training costs. Work placements will take place at employer sites across England and give participants first-hand experience of the site manager role.
Director for HBF’s home building skills partnership, Jenny Herdman, 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.”
Inspire and encourage
Business development director at Women into Construction Jacqui Wordsworth added: “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.”
In more detail the programme will include: site visits to central locations and online; a two-week onsite work placement; and one-to-one coaching and support from Women into Construction. It will also incorporate a week of online insight and development sessions, including Q&As with site managers and employers, and employability and health and safety training.
Supporting the programme are: Barratt Developments, Bellway Homes, Cala Homes, The Hill Group, Keepmoat, Persimmon Homes, Redrow, St. Modwen, and Vistry Group.
Women can register to attend an online information event at 11am on Tuesday 31 January 2023. Further information and application details are available on the Women into Construction site.
