ABC CEO: ‘We must work harder to dispel the myths about construction’

Tell us about your route into your role at the ABC. What attracted you to the construction industry?

I entered construction somewhat by accident. I had a ‘dream’ of being a singer but after many years gigging, I found myself gravitating towards a more stable, reliable career.

My first role within the construction environment was working at the Brick Development Association. It was here that I became enveloped with the beauty of brick and the vital role that it plays within the built environment.

At that time, the Association of Brickwork Contractors (ABC) was governed by the Brick Development Association. I remember always thinking how much potential and sway the organisation could have in its own right, especially in taking the lead in tackling challenges such as skills shortages and the need for more trade apprenticeships.

I put forward my thoughts, and these proposals impelled [then chairman] Geoff Irvine and the company directors to offer me the first employed position at the ABC.

Ultimately, my job role was to raise the profile of the association and deliver on my expectations and intentions surrounding training and education.

What was your perception of the construction industry before joining it? Has your opinion changed?

Before my career in construction, I perceived it as a heavily male-dominated and potentially less welcoming industry. While the former still applies, the latter is certainly untrue.

Companies are now actively working to improve diversity and inclusion, making the environment more welcoming to all.

There are also often assumptions that the physical demands are too challenging, career advancement opportunities for women are limited and safety concerns more pronounced. But there really is a place for everyone in construction.

What advice would you give to women at the start of their bricklaying career?

Starting in bricklaying as a woman can be challenging and rewarding at the same time. Entering a male-dominated field often means facing scepticism or bias, so it’s important to stay persistent and resilient.

Advocating for yourself is equally important. Know your worth and be prepared to negotiate for fair treatment, appropriate pay and equal opportunities. If you encounter discrimination or unfair practices, address them professionally and seek support from human resources or relevant industry bodies.

It’s also worth joining professional organisations or networks that support women in construction as these can provide valuable resources, advice and a platform for raising concerns.

What are the main barriers to women joining the industry and pursuing a bricklaying career?

One of the primary hurdles is the enduring stigma associated with the industry. It has long been viewed as a physically demanding, male-centric career, with stereotypes often discouraging women from pursuing roles in this sector.

Breaking down these misconceptions is essential to creating a more inclusive and diverse industry.

In recent years, the construction and engineering sectors have witnessed a remarkable surge in the number of young women undertaking apprenticeships – a staggering 366% increase, to be precise.

This statistic represents a significant shift in the traditionally male-dominated landscape of these industries.

However, despite this encouraging trend, women still constitute a mere 15% of the current workforce.

How is the ABC working with its members and the wider industry to help address these challenges?

The ABC encourages its members to sign up to the Fairness, Inclusion and Respect programme, an industry-wide initiative that supports businesses in the built environment to meet legal obligations around equality and diversity in order to create a more inclusive sector.

The programme offers training, resources and guidance so that employers can address workplace culture challenges as a way to attract and maintain a more diverse workforce.

What action would you like to see from industry leaders to help attract and retain more women?

To effect real change, it’s vital to move away from this outdated stigma and embrace diversity wholeheartedly.

This entails not only fostering a culture of inclusivity within construction companies but also investing in recruitment strategies that actively seek out and welcome women into the workforce.

We need to see more companies invest in targeted outreach programmes, apprenticeships and mentorship opportunities specifically tailored for women.

Additionally, creating supportive and inclusive work environments is key to retaining women in construction careers.

Providing ongoing training, professional development and pathways for career advancement are essential components of fostering a diverse and thriving workforce.

Changing perceptions about women in construction requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders, including industry leaders, educators and society at large.

By challenging stereotypes and showcasing the achievements of women already making waves in the sector, we can inspire the next generation of female talent to pursue careers in bricklaying and other roles in construction, not just the trades.

We must work harder to highlight the diverse roles and progression opportunities available within the industry in order to dispel the myths.