HBF opens applications for Women into Home Building initiative 

The Home Builders Federation (HBF) has launched the fifth cohort of its Women into Home Building programme to attract more women into site management careers.

The announcement follows the closure of Women into Construction, the programme’s inaugural delivery partner.

More than 30 placements are available through the programme, which is being delivered in partnership with 10 home builders.

Participating home builders include Bellway, Gleeson, Hill Group, Lovell Homes, Northstone, Places for People, Prospect Homes, St Modwen Homes, Tilia Homes, and Vistry Group.

Since welcoming its first cohort in 2023, the Women into Home Building programme has engaged 238 women, guided 65 candidates through training and work experience, and supported 20 candidates into employment within the industry.

Women joining the fifth cohort of the programme will attend training and insight sessions to develop their knowledge of site management. 

Successful candidates will be matched to a local home building site where they will complete a two-week work placement.

Neil Jefferson, chief executive at HBF, said: “The home building industry offers a variety of rewarding careers and we must continue to invest in and increase the diversity of our workforce if we are to meet the ambitious housing targets set by the government.

"Having women in on-site leadership roles expands perspectives, introduces different leadership styles and boosts creativity, so we’re pleased to be working with our members once again to deliver the Women into Home Building programme.

"Our programme has been developed to increase awareness of the leadership careers available and routes to employment, whilst giving participants employer-backed knowledge and experience to kick-start their careers.”

The fifth cohort of the programme will include sponsorship from the National House Building Council (NHBC) to offer candidates support with travel and childcare costs.

To apply for the programme, visit the HBF website. Applications close at 5pm on 22 September.