CTS is celebrating Women in Construction Week, which runs from 3rd to the 9th of March.
Women in Construction Week is an annual event that celebrates and promotes the role of women in the construction industry. It is a time to recognise the significant contributions that women have made to this industry and to inspire the next generation of women to pursue careers in construction. This year’s theme, ‘Keys to the Future’ celebrates the strength and knowledge of women and the vital role they play in shaping the future of the construction industry.
For years, the construction industry has primarily been male-dominated. However, women have been breaking down barriers and paving the way for future generations to follow. Today, women are found in every aspect of the industry, from design and engineering to administration, sales, project management, and construction. The growing representation of women in construction is proof that gender does not define a person's ability to contribute to the field. Women in construction bring unique perspectives and skills that enrich the industry and help it evolve.
At CTS we truly appreciate all the wonderful women we have working within our business. To celebrate, we asked some of our colleagues to share their stories of working in the industry. Our goal is to inspire more women to join the construction industry and to raise awareness of the types of opportunities available.
Claire Reynolds - Quality Manager
How did you get started in the construction industry? - I kind of fell into it really. I was doing a degree in biology, and as part of that, I had to do a placement year for a diploma in professional studies. I knew the owners of Newark Laboratories, as it was called at the time, and they offered me a six-month placement. Once I got started, I realised it really interested me and I was keen to continue working for the company. I headed back to university for the final year of my degree but still worked at the laboratory one day a week undertaking calibrations. Once I finished university, I went back to work full-time at the laboratory, and the rest, as they say, is history. In hindsight though, if I had known more about the industry when I applied for my degree, I probably would have done something construction related.
How long have you been in the construction industry? - It is just over 22 years since I started on that placement year…how time has flown.
Have you ever felt daunted by being in an industry that is male dominated? - I think 20 years ago people were just starting to accept women in the man’s world of construction but more as a novelty (especially on sites) but it’s becoming more and more accepted. I was very much accepted for my skills on the whole but there were times particularly when visiting sites that people would look at you with a ‘oh look a woman’ attitude. I think there have been times when people have underestimated my ability because I was a woman but with hard work and the knowledge I had, I was able to show them I was up to the job.
What do you like the best about being in the construction industry? - I love learning and understanding about the industry, I find it interesting. My partner thinks I’m strange/ boring when I drive past a site and want to see what is going on and start talking about what I can see but I love to understand how everything works and particularly how testing fits into this. I also enjoy the camaraderie that you get from people in the industry, it is a more relaxed informal atmosphere most of the time where people work together to achieve something.
What advice do you have for young women entering the industry? - Don’t be afraid, most people have your back and will help you succeed. There may be a few people a bit more reluctant, but you can prove them wrong by just being good at what you do.
Zoe Cooper – Key Account Director
How did you get started in the construction industry? - I originally gained qualifications in electronics & electrical engineering, but having noticed a decline in the industry due to the closing of a lot of UK manufacturing sites and products being imported, I decided that it may be time to change industries. I was approached by Severn Trent laboratories and made the move into environmental testing and have been in the construction industry now for the last 22 years.
Have you ever felt daunted by being in an industry that is male dominated? - Yes, but that was the attractive challenge for me. I believe you earn your respect by how you conduct yourself not by your gender. There are lots of discussions in the media currently about poor fitting women’s Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). I wanted to reinforce the positive change that implementing correct PPE for females within the construction industry will have. It is not about fashion or having fitted clothing, it is about clothing that fits correctly which is not only critical from a health and safety but also reduces the daunting experience of walking on what is usually a male dominated site in ill-fitted PPE.
What do you like the best about being in the construction industry? - Being involved in flagship projects and seeing how this evolves from cradle to grave, I am extremely proud of the projects I have worked on. I have also met some fabulous people over the past two decades who have been instrumental to how I have developed. I have made lifetime friendships, grown partnerships, and earned mutual respect from peers and clients.
What advice do you have for young women entering the industry? - I have a saying “just keep swimming”. There are always good and bad days in any career with many different challenges but embrace and take advantage of them by learning and developing as an individual.
What accomplishments in your construction career are you most proud of? - When I first entered the industry, I visited similar clients who were reluctant to share experiences, but after a number of discussions with like-minded people, we created the YCLF (Yorkshire Contaminated Land Forum), where I am one of the founding members. YCLF was established in 2007 to bring together land quality practitioners across Yorkshire, meeting quarterly to discuss topical land quality issues, including soil, water, and groundwater affected by contamination. At meetings, we present and receive interesting presentations, network in an open and friendly environment and work collectively towards improving land quality. My personal accomplishment, is I am in the process of becoming a Justice of the Peace.
Sasha Mahon – Laboratory Manager
How did you get started in the construction industry? – My Dad who works in the industry for another company first got me into the role, starting as a laboratory tech before moving into admin. I then changed my career completely working in logistics and then found myself at CET (now CTS). I have been in the industry for 9 years and I am now laboratory Manager for Heathrow. It is all down to my Dad really; without him I wouldn’t be in the position I am in now. He has been in his role for 30 years and has taught me a lot along the way. I have also had a really good mentor within the regional laboratory manager for the south of CTS – Chris Davidson.
Have you ever felt daunted by being in an industry that is male dominated? - When I first started work in the laboratory, I did feel quite intimidated as it was a very male orientated environment. However, many more females are joining the industry and it is great to see women taking on roles that are only deemed suitable for ‘men’. It provides equality and our company have really captured that as we are constantly employing more females to work both within the lab and site-based departments. I was the only female who worked within the Heathrow lab when it first started up around 5 years ago and now, we have 2 Females within my team and another female with the site team.
What do you like the best about being in the construction industry? - The industry is so diverse and fast paced, every day Is different and that keeps me motivated and, on my toes, all the time. I am constantly learning new standards / writing procedures and adapting my skills to suit what is needed.
What advice do you have for young women entering the industry? - Never be afraid or intimidated going into a role that is deemed by society to be ‘just for men’. There are plenty of roles that young women can take on in this industry, I have worked my way from being a trainee technician nine years ago to being a laboratory manager. Everyone can make a difference in their career; you just need to ensure you give as much into your job as you want out of it.
What accomplishments in your construction career are you most proud of? – I think I am most proud of the promotion I have received last year becoming laboratory manager. I have worked my way up through the company and it helps mentally knowing you are being recognised for the work and effort you put into the role. That is something that CTS does well.
I am also very proud of the well carried out UKAS Visits Heathrow have gone through. If there is no accreditation to our testing and equipment, then we would simply be out of a job!
Saleice Allen - Estimator
How did you get started in the construction industry? - I previously lived 2 minutes away from the Harrietsham site and was curious of what they did there. After researching, I took a chance applying to be an admin assistant even though I didn’t have any experience - and was very welcomed!
How did your friends/family react to you choosing a career in construction? - They were quite surprised by the transition as I had been in the beauty industry for 10 years, so it was a huge change!
Have you ever felt daunted by being in an industry that is male dominated? - Initially I did feel intimidated, mainly where I have worked before has been solely with females, it was a culture shock, but I soon adapted and feel as if I fit in the team.
What do you like the best about being in the construction industry? - You can be the real you. You can admit when you are having a bad day and receive support by others in the team. You don’t always have to paint a smile on your face.
What advice do you have for young women entering the industry? - Do it! Don’t be put off by the construction industry, you will be pleasantly surprised and there are so many avenues to explore.
What accomplishments in your construction career are you most proud of? - Within 14 months of joining the company, I had made my way from admin with no office experience on my CV, to a manager which was a massive achievement! My ideas have been heard and put into place which made the workspace more efficient and helped build relationships with both suppliers and other members across CTS. I still feel humbled when I am approached by seniority to support on projects and offer advice. Since then, I have side stepped into Estimating to explore another side of the business. I feel lucky to be given the opportunity to work in different divisions to find my forte.
If this blog has inspired you to explore a career in construction, take a look at our careers page to find out more.