With International Women’s Day just around the corner, female employees at Barratt and David Wilson Homes North Midlands division have lifted the lid on their careers and experiences as women in the construction industry.

B&DWNM – SGB 1588 – (L-R) Jan Ruston, Kitty Michaels, Liz Lynch, Katy Falls and Diya Manocha

While the housebuilding industry is often perceived as male-dominated, Barratt and David Wilson Homes is committed to ensuring that every employee has the chance to progress and achieve in their chosen role.

About her experience, Liz Lynch, Buying Manager at Barratt and David Wilson Homes North Midlands, said:

“I have seen more and more women exploring different career opportunities within construction. Currently within our division, the entire Buying team is female and women are employed in a variety of departments and roles.”

There is a wide range of careers available within the construction industry, including those based on site, such as Electricians, Plasterers, Engineers, Fork-lift Drivers, Scaffolders, Bricklayers, Site Managers and Contracts Managers, and those based at Head Office, such as Architectural Technicians, Surveyors, Land and Planning Managers, Estimators, Buyers and Finance Administrators.

A global day to celebrate the economic and social achievements of women, Barratt and David Wilson Homes North Midlands have chosen International Women’s Day on 8^th March as an opportunity to demonstrate the influence that women have on the business in these roles.

Liz continued:

“There are no labels. Positions are available and I strongly believe that Barratt and David Wilson Homes view all of the candidates as individuals and don’t conform to stereotypes.”

Diya Manocha, Finance Manager, said:

“There is a perception that working in construction means working on site. This is not true. Just like any other industry, there are countless roles and plenty of opportunities for women.”

“I do think that the industry is currently at a stage where things are changing and that companies are doing more to change the perception of homebuilding being a male-only industry.”

Katy Falls works as a Planner for Barratt and David Wilson Homes North Midlands, and, when giving her advice to women considering a career in the construction industry, said: “Do not think of yourself as being an imposter. Be confident and open minded to new opportunities and believe in yourself. 

She expanded on the mutual benefits available to both women and the building industry by having more women in the workplace, saying: “A more diverse workforce will increase the number of different skill sets, which will lead to a more successful and profitable business.”

Laura Michaels, an Urban Planner, describes her experience of working for the leading homebuilder, by saying: “I have been supported and encouraged from the beginning which has given me the confidence to make the most of my abilities.

“We are lucky to live in a time when barriers are falling and there are more opportunities than ever for everyone, regardless of sex, ethnicity or background, so make the most of it!”

Jan Ruston, Sales Director at Barratt and David Wilson Homes North Midlands, said:

“In my experience, at Barratt and David Wilson Homes we are all viewed as individuals and opinions are valued regardless of gender.

“If I had been asked at the age of 16 where my career was going, I would have been over the moon to say I would be a Director of a blue-chip company such as ours.

“Every day is different and I enjoy decision making and driving the business forward.  I love a challenge and I am full of energy and enthusiasm every day as a result of the work I do.”

Further information about career opportunities currently available can be found at www.barrattcareers.co.uk

For more information call the Barratt Homes sales team on 033 3355 8472 or the David Wilson Homes sales team on 033 3355 8473.

Alternatively, please visit www.barratthomes.co.uk or www.dwh.co.uk.