How does construction redress its gender imbalance?

Last year, the Office for National Statistics reported that just over 15% of the UK construction workforce is made up of women.

While this is a welcome increase from the 12% reported in 2020, the sector still lags a long way behind others. Construction Journal therefore asked two recent graduates what could be done to attract more women to the profession.

Alice Wilkes of Atkins Réalis believes that there isn't enough discussion about potential construction careers with girls at school.

'From speaking to both school and college students, I have found there still remains a stigma regarding women working in the industry, and the opportunities available to them,' she says.

'I personally experienced a stigma from my school mentors 11 years ago, and found myself having to justify why my quantity surveying degree apprenticeship was the right career choice for me.'

Rebecca Tancock of Fulkers also feels that most people are not properly aware of quantity surveying and what the profession entails.

She agrees that 'early engagement schemes are vital for reaching young people of all backgrounds, so that they can be made aware of and understand quantity surveying as a career option'.

Alice takes up the point: 'When I was looking into careers at school the construction industry wasn't really showcased or spoken about, particularly for young women. However, I was aware of quantity surveying as a profession because my grandfather and uncle were working in the industry.

She adds: 'Initiatives such as the RICS Inspire programme, which sees surveyors interacting with students as they make decisions about their future, are fundamental to attracting more women to the profession.'

'Once I had successfully interviewed for my apprenticeship, my school careers adviser challenged my choice and tried to change my decision. My perception at the time was that they were unaware about what the apprenticeship and job as a quantity surveyor entailed.'

She continues: 'To this day, having spoken to school pupils at events I have attended, I don't think quantity surveying is a job that many people looking to start their careers are aware of. So it's great that companies attend built environment graduate fairs to try to challenge this. However, university students attending these fairs would have already decided to enter the industry.

'I believe female representation would be a lot more effective for school-age students. This can ensure pupils and their mentors are alike aware of this option before they make career choices. They can be educated on the vast number of opportunities for all, with case studies and profiles from women working in the industry.'

Rebecca concurs: 'Quantity surveying practices should be encouraging their staff to participate in these schemes so that real-life stories and knowledge of the profession can be shared.'

To show prospective employees that the sector and employer is inclusive, 'representation of women is essential when applicants are being interviewed,' says Rebecca. 'If the women currently in the industry are not visible to others at this crucial stage, the cycle of underrepresentation is likely to continue.'

She adds: 'The industry needs to encourage and enable women to become role models who can inspire the next generation of professionals. The annual Women in Construction event at the London Build Expo has been working with professionals to create a team of ambassadors.

'Increased publicity and wider access to events such as this, which empower women in the industry to become leaders, will promote career opportunities and generate interest from a wider audience.'

However, businesses must realise that their efforts need to go further, beyond educating and hiring women: retention is another huge problem that contributes to the industry's overall gender imbalance.

Alice notes: 'Alongside my day job as a managing quantity surveyor, I now also act as our early careers champion in the west of England region, helping three of our offices encourage new talent into the industry and showcase our career opportunities.'

The public perception of the construction industry will not change until the actions of those in the sector also change.

'Construction sites are the shop window of our profession,' says Rebecca, 'and some continue to be hostile towards female workers and members of the public. As long as this remains the case, many women will be discouraged from joining professions such as quantity surveying. The industry needs to continue to work together to improve the culture on site and change perceptions of careers in construction.'