Women In The UK Construction Sector - The Solution To Our Skills Gap in 2024

As a historically male-dominated sector, the UK construction industry has seen a much needed shift towards the inclusion and involvement of women over the past couple of decades and a result, started to benefit from the influx of a variety of skills, viewpoints, and innovations to the space.

Around 340,000 women were working in the sector in the second quarter of 2023, marking an increase of 41,000 from the previous year. This increase of female talent into the industry represents a significant step forward towards gender equality and diversity.

The roles that these women hold within the industry are varied and influential. Women are making their mark not just as part of the workforce but also as professionals, executives, and leaders. Whether they are architects, engineers, project managers, or skilled tradespeople, women are bringing a fresh perspective and contributing to the growth and evolution of the industry.

However, even with these positive advancements, the proportion of women in the field is still relatively small, suggesting that much work remains to be done. The significance of celebrating women in construction rests on promoting inclusivity, motivating more women to explore careers in this vibrant industry, and underscoring the necessity for systematic reforms to facilitate their advancement.

What can we do to help accelerate this process?

Addressing Social Perceptions A significant barrier is the long-standing stereotype of construction as a predominantly male suited industry, leading to discrimination and bias that can hinder women's career advancement and satisfaction. To counteract this, the industry must strive to embrace a culture of inclusiveness. This could include the introduction of unconscious bias training, the promotion of female role models, and the assurance of equal opportunities for career advancement.

Introducing Flexible Work Arrangements The traditional 9-to-5 schedule often doesn’t align with the many women’s capacity to work, especially those with caregiving responsibilities. To remedy this, construction companies should explore flexible work schedules, remote work options, or job-sharing setups. These measures may well make the industry more appealing and accessible to women, supporting their recruitment and retention.

Female Leadership Presence Improving the representation of women in leadership positions is crucial for paving the way for future generations and proving that gender is not an obstacle in the construction industry. Companies can encourage this transition by offering leadership training, mentorship opportunities, and clear career progression paths specifically tailored for women.

Boosting Visibility of Women in the Sector Elevating the visibility of women in construction is key to altering outdated perceptions and motivating more women to enter the field. Highlighting the successes and narratives of women through various media can serve as a source of inspiration and showcase the wide range of opportunities the construction industry has to offer.

Acknowledging the progress of women in construction involves recognising the persistent challenges they face. By addressing these issues, the construction sector can evolve into a more welcoming, inclusive, and equitable workplace for women.

We are passionate about supporting women in their construction journeys and have helped countless talented individuals find their dream roles over the years at Approach Personnel. If you would like to speak with on of our consultants about female representation and job opportunities we would be more than happy to help and advise you. Call us today - 0115 900 3171