EMPOWERING WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION

The profitability of your business depends just as much on the women working behind the scenes as it does on the team out on site - giving them access to training benefits the whole business.

Women play a vital role in the construction industry, from running the business to working in the trades; however their roles are often ‘behind the scenes’. That is why we have been running the ‘Women Leaders in Construction’ course in London, specifically designed for women managers working within FMB member firms and other construction sector businesses. The course is run by Ros Taylor who has been working with senior women in most professions over the last twenty years.

The first course has been such a success that FMB training is running repeat courses in London and in Wales in the new year. We have received some great testimonies from current participants, one of whom said they would “definitely recommend the course, it’s brilliant, and I’ve learnt a lot”.

AIM OF THE COURSE

This course recognises that there are challenges unique to women in the construction industry and is focused on overcoming them. Women working in construction often come from a diverse set of backgrounds and sometimes take up key business roles with little or no training specific to the construction industry or with any management experience at all. Therefore, this course offers support for women from a variety of backgrounds and levels, whether they are looking for support to reach the highest levels of management, or gaining confidence to get back into work or adapt to the distinctive construction sector.

The diversity of the participants means that people can learn from each other. One woman on the current course said: “Starting work after staying at home with my children was a daunting prospect at first, but I have gained confidence after spending time with other women in similar positions, and feel inspired to begin work.”

Another woman who has been working in an admin. role in a construction business said she felt that “The course has provided me with the confidence to progress in the company by managing projects”.

Women who have been working in leadership roles also benefit from this course, one claiming that it “really makes you think about your management style and it has been really very helpful.”

Another says that the course “provides an opportunity to spend time reflecting on the business and your role in it, to focus on the things that matter and to have time and space to think about where they want their company to go and how to get there.”

COURSE STRUCTURE

The course is run once a month and comprises eight sessions covering key issues affecting women working in the construction industry. One participant said the timings of the course made is easy to fit around her work and childcare commitments, and is not overly intensive. As well as ensuring people learn a lot from the course, participants have described it as “fun and enjoyable” and “something to look forward to”.