Ahead of International Women’s Day, Katie Bolger, a project manager at utilities contractor Avove, tells CM People about her first year in the role and sets out how employers can help to attract more women to the industry.
What attracted you to a career in the built environment?
I have always been driven by work where you can see real, measurable progress. Construction gives me the chance to visit sites, understand the detail on the ground, and watch the work develop. It is very satisfying to help keep a project on programme and see the results in real-time.
I also value the relationships that form on site, as operational teams are central to every project and building trust with them is essential.
Can you tell us about some of the projects you have worked on?
I’ve been involved in a range of projects, and my first assignment proved to be a significant learning experience due to the technical nature of the delivery. A major aspect of the role centred on MEICA [mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, control and automation] works, providing me with a strong technical foundation early on.
Gaining exposure to this level of detail has been invaluable, allowing me to develop specialist knowledge and hands-on experience. I have now become one of the team’s go‑to people for MEICA work, leading two further schemes.
“Site presence is a key part of construction and having operatives who respect and support women makes a big difference.”
What have you enjoyed most during your first year, and what has been the biggest challenge?
I have enjoyed seeing progress delivered on site, building strong relationships with clients, subcontractors and colleagues. Avove is a great place to work, and the people make a real difference.
Becoming a mentor for a degree apprentice has been another highlight, and it has been rewarding to guide her through project management, developing together.
My biggest challenge has been reminding myself that I am doing well. I often describe being a project manager as trying to keep many plates spinning, responding quickly when required. Managing pressure was a challenge, but one I am now used to.
What are your long-term career goals?
Right now, I’m focused on learning as much as I can about the industry. I’m passionate about supporting others, and I’d love to expand my mentoring responsibilities and eventually become a people manager to help others progress.
Long term, I see myself progressing to senior project manager with a wider strategic remit.
From your experience, what can employers do to support more women into the built environment?
Site presence is a key part of construction, and having operatives who respect and support women makes a big difference. Employers can reinforce this by focusing on practical measures, such as providing properly fitting PPE for women. Avove does this well and has received client recognition for promoting an inclusive workforce.
Avove also has women on interview panels to reassure candidates that they will not be the only one in an operational role and ensures that properly respected, women-only welfare facilities are provided on site.
Construction offers many positives for women, and with the right support and visibility, I am confident that more will join the industry.
