International Women’s Day: Assistant site manager breaks the bias in Cambridgeshire

Whilst the number of female construction workers has increased steadily in recent years, the proportion of women in the industry is still significantly lower, something which the housebuilder is keen to change.

Among Barratt Homes’ female employees is Grace Long, an Assistant Site Manager, based at the Chatteris Gate development in Cambridge.

When asked about her career, Grace said: “I was attracted to the construction industry because I loved the idea of working as part of a team in a fast-paced environment to expand communities and deliver quality new homes for our customers.

“I always wanted a role where no two days were the same, and site management offers exactly that. Generally, most of the time I’m out on site, which has its own benefits and challenges. For me, the best thing about being on site is watching the progression of the build and being a part of solving problems that may arise.

“The construction industry is seen as a male dominated environment, with fewer women within the sector which at first can be intimidating to women, but we can bring a new perspective to projects. I feel it is extremely important to address skill shortages and create a more inclusive and balanced workplace.

“If I could speak directly to a girl or woman contemplating a career in construction, I would tell them to just go for it.”

With a number of female employees already in a range of roles across the company, the housebuilder is reminding women from all skill sets of the different roles available and is encouraging them to put their experience to the industry.

Simon Francis, Managing Director at Barratt Homes Northampton, said: “We want to quash the age-old notion that the construction industry is a male-dominated field, as we have many women who work out on site as well as in office-based roles.

“As a leading housebuilder we are fully aware that one of the largest issues surrounding diversity in construction is the number of female employees working within the sector and the current gender imbalance it faces.

“With a range of departments within the company, we want to remind women that there are a variety of different roles that can be offered within the business that have great benefits and excellent opportunities for career progression.”

Some roles within the industry include those based on site, such as Electricians, Plasterers, Engineers, Forklift Drivers, Scaffolders, Bricklayers, Site Managers and Contracts Managers.

For those at head office, roles include Architectural Technicians, Surveyors, Land and Planning Managers, Estimators, Buyers and Finance Administrators.

To learn more about the career opportunities available, visit Barratt Homes Careers.

For more information about developments in the area, visit the website at Barratt Homes in Cambridgeshire.