As part of Women in Construction Week, Samantha and Gemma, two Assistant Site Managers at Gleeson Homes, have shared how they got into their careers in the construction industry, their experiences and their advice for women looking to enter the sector.

Samantha Couchman has worked in the construction industry for over four years, having joined Gleeson’s South and West Yorkshire team in September 2022 as an Assistant Site Manager at Carrwood Park. Prior to this, Samantha worked at Bellway Homes as an Assistant Site Manager and has previous experience in painting and decorating which is where her passion for a role in the construction industry first began.

Gemma Sowerby joined Gleeson Homes almost five years ago, starting out as a receptionist within the Tees Valley, Tyne, and Wear region. Upon joining Gleeson, Gemma soon became interested in exploring a more practical, hands-on role, specifically within the build team. This interest is what led Gemma into her current role as Assistant Site Manager at Gleeson’s Bracks Farm development. Thriving within this role, Gemma has her sights set on working towards a Site Management role in the long-term.

They both encourage women to challenge stereotypes and embrace the rewarding opportunities available in the construction industry.

How did you get into the construction industry?

Samantha:

“I have always wanted to work in construction. My dad is a painter and decorator and I grew up helping him with DIY at home. I studied Psychology at University but soon realised that construction was where I wanted to be. I joined an industry graduate programme, completing rotations across different departments and I am now an Assistant Site Manager at Gleeson Homes.”

“I didn’t get into site management until I was 30 and had some reservations. I didn’t have a female role model in the industry, but a friend in a male-dominated field helped me realise that it was okay to be there. Upon joining my first site in a previous role, I had a conversation with the Site Manager and said, ‘treat me as you would anyone else’. It is important to be our authentic selves at work and that should be for everyone. We worked exceptionally well as a team, so much so that we both moved to Gleeson at a similar time.”

Gemma:

“My journey started five years ago when my sister-in-law was diagnosed with breast cancer, and I took a year off to care for her. During that time, I watched Suits and decided I wanted to be like Donna, Harvey Specter’s legal secretary! I applied for a receptionist role in the Tees Valley office and got the job. While there, I started attending site management training sessions to expand my knowledge. One day, the Head of Construction noticed I had all the same training as the other site managers and asked if I would like to become an Assistant Site Manager.”

Describe your typical day-to-day.

Samantha:

“My day-to-day is always varied. I might be ordering materials, booking work in, checking on progress or providing support to the site team. I am very hands-on, working across the site and helping solve problems as they arise.”

Gemma:

“My days are incredibly diverse. It could involve inducting new contractors, working with bricklayers, checking drawings, snagging homes for inspection and conducting scaffolding checks. The best part is seeing the finished product and handing over the keys to happy customers. It is really rewarding.”

Have you experienced any barriers as a female in construction?

Samantha:

“I have not faced many barriers. There are the occasional comments, but nothing that has really stood in my way. I know my job is to coordinate and make sure things are done and I have learned that if people want to earn money, they will listen to me. PPE is an issue though – most of it is designed for men, so it doesn’t always fit right.”

Gemma:

“I am the only woman on my site, which has about 40-60 people at any time. When I first started, I was nervous about being treated differently, but I was surprised at how respectful everyone was. I feel completely accepted and love being on site. I could never go back to working in an office again.”

What advice would you give to other women looking for a career in construction?

Samantha:

“My advice is to just go for it. If you have the drive and passion, there is no reason why you cannot succeed. Women bring valuable perspectives to construction and it is important for the industry to have more women involved. A lot of women worry about ‘bossing men around,’ but everyone on site is just there to do their jobs. It is all about helping the team succeed and creating something you can be proud of. I love being able to drive past developments I have worked on and see the tangible result of my efforts.”

Gemma:

“I would absolutely recommend it to any woman interested in a career in construction. It has been an amazing experience so far and I have learned so much. Working outdoors is fantastic, even in winter, and meeting new people every day is really rewarding. We need to change the perception of construction as a male-dominated industry and show women that it is an option they should consider. There is no reason not to jump in feet first.”

For more, please visit: https://gleesonhomes.co.uk/.