March 8th marks International Women’s Day 2023 and Anna, Megan, Millie and Amanda from Redrow’s NW division are proving that there are plenty of opportunities for women in the industry.
Sales director Anna Evans-Kerr, assistant site manager Megan Woodburn, customer service technician Millie Knowles and area sales manager Amanda Hollins are determined to break down barriers for women want a career in the construction industry.
Anna started in the industry 10 years ago coming from the car industry. She started as a sales consultant and has worked her way up to sales director, a role she was promoted to in 2022.
“The construction industry is such an exciting one to be in. It’s not just about jobs on site physically building the homes, there’s the land and planning side, technical and commercial as well as marketing and customer service roles all available. As sales director, I liaise with all departments and really enjoy how varied my job is.
There are so many options and opportunities and there needs to be more women coming through in a range of roles. The old way of thinking of construction being a man’s world needs to be shifted and this is something parents need to be aware of too so they can encourage their children to follow their dreams and have the knowledge of all the roles available to women too.”
The theme for International Women’s Day this year is #EmbraceEquity and this is to recognise that each person has different circumstances but, with the correct resources and opportunities, there can be an equal outcome to become whatever they want to be.
According to the Homebuilders Federation (HBF) just 16% of the construction workforce is female and Redrow is working closely with the HBF and Women in Construction to attract more women into site management roles. Half of women (49%) are now open to considering a career in construction compared to over two thirds (67%) of men, according to Redrow’s recent UK-wide survey of 1,000 young adults. Three fifths (60%) of women also believed that a career in construction is often overlooked.
Assistant site manager Megan is currently working on Allerton Gardens in Liverpool where she is acting site manager. Megan studied Building Surveying at Liverpool John Moore’s University before starting on Redrow’s graduate scheme.
“I think the main thing to know is that you don’t have to go to university to have a career in construction,” said Megan. “There are so many other routes in like apprenticeships. I was one of the only girls on my course at university but I’m seeing more and more young girls taking an interest now. I’ve recently mentored a work experience student who absolutely loved being out on site with me. She was 17 so it was great to show her the way and lead by example.”
Customer service technician and qualified plumber Millie did some work experience at a family friend’s plumbing business while she was still at school and that is where her love for the trade started. She then went on to complete a plumbing course at West Cheshire College.
Since starting at Redrow, Millie has completed a number of courses including completing her plumbing qualification and courses in health and safety and first aid.
Millie said: “Whatever your role is within Redrow, we are all working to the same result, giving customers the best home and experience possible. It shouldn’t matter what your gender is. More women should come into the industry to prove that the old stereotype of it being a men’s job is completely out of date.”
Amanda has been with Redrow for eight years. She completed Redrow’s graduate training programme after studying Geography at Loughborough University, during which she spent time in all departments, including construction, technical, land, commercial and sales before deciding where to specialise.
“I think the industry needs more women. No matter your background, whether that be university, college or an apprenticeship, there is support out there so you can get to where you want to be.”
At any one time, Redrow has around 250 apprentices in England and Wales learning one of the key housing trades including bricklaying, plumbing and joinery as well as administration and technical roles.
To find out more about careers at Redrow visit www.redrowcareers.co.uk
