Women in construction: a brief history
Find out how women make a difference to the built environment.
Women in construction
Women working in construction and engineering is on the increase. 37% of new entrants into the construction industry that came from higher education are women.
Are there many women in construction?
Yes, but maybe not as many as there could be.
Women make up around 14% of construction industry professionals and this number is only set to rise with more and more women in construction and engineering jobs. Misconceptions about gender-specific roles are gradually diminishing with a growing number of women choosing a career in construction and engineering.
Do female construction workers face prejudice?
It is a common misconception about the construction industry that it is full of old-fashioned attitudes. There is still some work to do, but there are thousands of exceptionally talented female construction workers who are changing how women in construction are perceived.
With so many rewards and benefits of working in the industry, there's plenty of room for career progression and skill development, so it's an industry well worth looking into.
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Find out what it’s really like to be a female construction worker
Now – more than ever – is a great time to get into construction and engineering.
There are so many different construction jobs for women, so build your skills and a career path that could take you to the very top!
Check out our videos, blog posts and case studies below or discover some of our real-life stories on Instagram from women in construction and engineering. You can also read stories from apprentices via Talentview.
14% of people working in construction and engineering are women.
Women in construction work in a wide range of roles, from management to surveying, civil engineering to bricklaying. Women are respected for the work they do and have great opportunities to grow their careers.
Construction is still a male-dominated industry and earning the respect of male co-workers remains an issue for women. Achieving greater pay equality is another significant challenge, as it is for women in many professions.
Construction needs women because the industry is facing a skills shortage. Women bring a wide range of skills that benefit employers and enrich the construction industry.
Yes, absolutely. In fact, over 320,000 women work in construction in the UK.
More men work in the construction industry than women, and some old-fashioned ideas still prevail, but attitudes are changing. Here are some common misconceptions about the construction industry.
Mirna
Construction - it is definitely the best industry to be in!
Making connections
There are several organisations that specialise in connecting women in construction, which can be a useful step in reaching future employers:
How can I get into the industry?
There are many ways into construction, whether you're leaving school or established in your career. You could:
- Earn while you learn in an Apprenticeship
- Delve deeper into your chosen field with a degree
- Build your skills with a Traineeship (England and Wales only)
- Get a taste for the industry with work experience
- Achieve a qualification to help you on your journey
WHY I LOVE CONSTRUCTION
Suzannah Nichol MBE
Chief Executive at Build UKSuzannah wanted to get involved in construction ever since she undertook a day’s work experience. She went on to become a site engineer before making the leap to health and safety, becoming director of health and safety at the NSCC in 2002. She was awarded an MBE in 2005 for service to the construction industry. Suzannah is now Chief Executive at Build UK.
She credits the construction industry itself with her success: "If you show both enthusiasm and interest, colleagues at all levels are quick to share their expertise and help you progress."
Construction is an industry that goes out of its way to help you achieve your potential