Women in construction by Leeds College of Building

WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION

LEEDS COLLEGE OF BUILDING

Specialists in Construction Education & Training

INTRODUCTION The construction industry is one of the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest employers. The industry is moving with the times and there are now many women working in construction. There are lots of career opportunities available for women so if you enjoy practical tasks you may choose plumbing, joinery or painting and decorating. Alternatively you may be interested in further technical studies and would like to become a surveyor, architect or civil engineer. The possibilities are endless!

This publication offers an insight into the experiences of some women currently employed/training in the industry.

For more information about the College, please visit the college website www.lcb.ac.uk

Specialists in Construction Education & Training

WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION CASE STUDY #1

NAME: Catherine Kopec Course: Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment

Why did you choose the course you took at LCB? After leaving school, I had no idea what I wanted to do so decided to enter the world of work to get some experience and earn some money. I eventually ended up working in an unusual job constructing Santaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s grottos for shopping centres, which was what got me thinking about a career in construction as it had many elements of the industry. After doing some research into the different career paths and assessing my own strengths, I decided that building surveying was the right choice for me. However, in order to enrol for a RICS accredited degree, I needed A levels or equivalent. I was told about LCB, a specialist building college, by a friend of the family, and on inquiring into their courses found that I could do a BTEC Advanced Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment which would be A Level equivalent. This course was fantastic as it gave me a great insight into construction and construction practices and was coursework based, so a lot of work but no exams! Continuedâ&#x20AC;Ś

Did you have any careers advice at school about the options available? No, not in construction. I left school in 2000 and I feel that the careers advice that I was given at the time was very poor. I knew nothing about the careers available in construction and my school didn’t have a sixth form, so I think less emphasis was put on career goals and more on achieving good GCSE grades. Did your friends think it was unusual that you chose construction? Some of my friends were a little surprised when I told them but also quite impressed that I had chosen such a well regarded profession. I generally get surprised reactions off people when they ask me what I studied; which are nearly always positive. What image did you have of the industry and has your opinion changed at all since you started your study? I imagined the industry to be quite sexist and narrow minded towards women in construction, and worried I may struggle to be accepted. However after going through college and meeting many industry professionals (both male and female), I feel confident that the opinion of the industry is much more open minded, and as long as you work hard and prove your worth, it doesn’t matter what gender you are. What are you doing now? I was planning to start a RICS Degree in Building Surveying after I had finished my BTEC at LCB. However, I fell pregnant in the second year of my course at LCB and decided when I finished that, to defer and take a gap year so I could enjoy being a first time mum and get married. Thatt was w just over a year ago and I have now gone to University and started degree. It ted my deg is challenging juggling a full-time degree with parenthood nthood so I have to be focused and organised.

WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION What are your future ambitions when all the training is out of the way? My future ambitions after I ďŹ nish my degree are to be employed by a forward thinking company and achieve my APC (Assessment of Professional Competence), which will give me chartered status. I then plan to work as a Chartered Building Surveyor, gaining experience to be the best I can be. Where do you see yourself in 10 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; time? Ideally I will start off in a large company, as I feel there will be more opportunities for the less experienced. Then I hope to move to a smaller practice and maybe even have my own company eventually. Have there been any negatives to choosing construction? Not as of yet. When I started my course at LCB I was the only girl in my class and quite a lot older than my peers. I felt this could have been a problem, however I realised that it was good experience to learn how to work with people so different to myself and eventually we developed a mutual respect for one another. What are the positives of being a young woman in the construction industry? The RICS are very keen to increase their numbers of female members, which I hope may lead to good employment opportunities. I also think that as people are becoming more aware that there is a place for women in construction, attitudes will really start to change especially as older generations are replaced by younger ones. I also enjoy a challenge so proving myself should turn out as a positive sitiv for me.

CASE STUDY #2

NAME: Natasha Moores Course: Level 1 in Plumbing Why did you choose the course you took at LCB? I thought it was a good trade and unusual for a girl, I believe the prospect of getting a job maybe better for this reason. Did you have any careers advice at school about the options available? I didn’t receive any careers advice, however I did know other plumbing students at LCB who recommended it to me.

Did your friends think it was unusual that you chose construction? Yes they did, some of them didn’t believe me at ﬁrst. Some agree and some still disagree with the choice I’ve made. What image did you have of the industry and has your opinion changed at all since you started your study? Plumbing is actually harder than what people perceive the trade to be, areas such as measurements and correct angles can be quite tricky but still enjoyable as I am learning new skills.

WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION What are your future ambitions bitions when all the training is out of the way? I would like to own a business ness and be my own boss. Where do you see yourself elf in 10 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; time? I would like to have invested ted in properties, become a developer and grow my business. What are the positives off being a young woman in the construction on industry? I feel I am shown more respect spect by entering a male dominated workplace. lace.

CASE STUDY #3

NAME: Rebecca Whyte Course: HND Construction and the Built Enviroment Rebecca is a mature student studying on a HND Diploma and was one of a select few female students participated in Back to Netball sessions delivered at Quarry Hill by England Netball. She chose to get involved in the sessions to have fun, increase ﬁtness and develop relationships with the female students at the College.

During her time at school Rebecca participated in a number of activities which triggered her passion for ﬁtness. She participates in other activities outside of college including running, gym and dance. Rebecca has signed up to become a Sports Activator at the College which is a new scheme to recruit sports volunteers at the College. Rebecca was asked why she signed up to the activity and she said “It is always good to meet new people and it is great way to develop further opportunities for girls at the College.”

WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION As part of this new initiative she took part in the ﬁrst training session for the volunteers, the “First Steps into Coaching” workshop, which gave the students an insight into getting involved in coaching and the possible pathways if they would like to take this further. Rebecca hopes to pass on some of her passion for ﬁtness and sporting activities to female students and act as a student voice inside the College.

CASE STUDY #4

NAME: Samantha Moorhouse Course: Heating & Ventilation Apprenticeship

Did you have any careers advice at school about the options available? No I didn’t get any speciﬁc guidance from careers at school but I did speak to my local Connexions.

Why did you choose the course you took at LCB? I wanted to become a plumber but then a position came along at Doncaster Council as a Heating & Ventilation Engineer. I did some research and found there were more opportunities available with a Heating & Ventilation Engineer and that you would learn a lot more skills.

Did your friends think it unusual that you chose construction? My friends thought it was a bit strange but are fully supportive. What image did you have of the industry and has your opinion changed at all since you started your study? I thought it would be an unsafe environment and quite dirty but it’s the complete opposite to that.

WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION What are your future ambitions…… when all the training is out of the way? I would like to gain experience with Doncaster Council and establish myself enough so that I can run my own business Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time? Successful and good at what I’m doing! Have there been any negatives to choosing construction? No, I have enjoyed all areas that I have worked in so far. What What are are the the positives positives of of being being a a young young woman woman in in the the construction construction industry? industry? It’s It’s a a good good long long term term career career and and a a trade trade for for life. life. II think think everyone everyone is is more more courteous and helpful because I am female.

CASE STUDY #5

NAME: Fionnuala McGowan Course: Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment

During year 10 at school, I attended a 2 week work experience placement at Mone Brothers – one of the UK’s largest suppliers of plant equipment, building materials and recycling services to the UK construction industry. I thoroughly enjoyed my time there. I also attended a construction taster day where I was given careers information and guidance. After completing work experience and attending the taster day, I spoke to my mum and explained that I wanted to pursue a career in the construction industry. My mum wasn’t sure as she was keen for me to do A Levels at Sixth Form. During year 11, I attended a week of taster days at the College where I was given an introduction to various trades. I also attended the Technical Summer School where I gained a better understanding of construction management and careers such as civil engineering, architecture, building services and surveying.

WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION I was surer than ever that I wanted to come to LCB, but needed to get my mum on side. We both attended an open evening at the college where I spoke to Pat Murray and were given lots of information about the BTEC courses and progression routes into higher education. Although we found it very useful, my mum was still not convinced that this was the right route for me and in the end I enrolled at Notre Dame Sixth Form that September to study AS levels. Whilst at Notre Dame, I expressed an interest in moving to LCB and studying construction, so they arranged a week’s work experience for me at Laing O’Rouke, an international engineering enterprise. That year I also conducted a week’s work experience with Land Securities a large commercial properties company. I spoke with such enthusiasm about my time on work experience that they convinced my mum and tutors that moving to LCB was the best thing to do. I enrolled on the Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment and have never looked back. It’s not an easy course and has its challenges, but because I am so determined to succeed I am putting in the effort required and I am enjoying learning new things every day. I made a good impression on Land Securities so I have continued to attend work experience one day per week. I now have the chance to study for a degree in Town and Country Planning sponsored by Laing O’Rouke. I want to work as a Project Manager in the future and with this opportunity through Laing O’Rouke I will be able to achieve this, whilst earning a good salary and not having to pay course fees or accumulating student debt. I am so pleased I ﬁnally made the decision to study construction here at Leeds College of Building. I can now see that all of my hard work and determination is paying off and I am excited about my future career.

CASE STUDY #6

NAME: Tracey Stevenson Employed: Enviromental Manager Leeds Bradford Internationa Airport From being a child I always had an interest in the earth and physical processes of the earth, such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and also the weather. When leaving school it wasn’t a subject I ever thought of studying further or choosing as a career path. I didn’t have a clear vision of what I wanted to do when I left school at age 16. I decided not to take A levels or go to university. After leaving school, I had various jobs including warehouse work and administration.

A few years later, I decided to study science as a mature student and attended a night-school course. I was working as a secretary for an engineering consultancy (part of a National Built Environment Company) at the time and job became available for an ‘environmental assistant’, which largely involved ﬁeld work, water testing, soil sampling and gas monitoring (on landﬁll sites). I was offered this job due to my keen interest in the subject and the fact that I was undertaking a science course at night school. After

WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION completing the science course, I went on to study for a BSc in Environmental Science & Management, which I did on a part-time basis. Whilst it was hard work doing a full-time job as well as studying, a positive aspect is that it allowed me to gain a significant amount of work experience as well as a qualification in the same subject. After a couple of years, I was promoted to Environmental Consultant. After 6 years of consultancy work, I decided that I wanted a change and to find an environmental role working in industry. I took the position of Environmental Officer at Leeds Bradford International Airport and after 5 years, I was promoted to Environmental Manager. One of the things I like about my role is that it is extremely varied and every day is different. My role covers all aspects of environmental management, including noise, waste management, pollution control, energy, ecology and sustainable transport. I also get involved in airport development projects where environmental input is required. I would definitely recommend a career working in the environment. More organisations are becoming aware of environmental issues and the importance of being ‘green’. Many businesses now employ specialists in environmental disciplines due to ever emerging environmental legislation and/or in order to cut costs in areas such as energy, waste and water management.

CASE STUDY #7 NAME: Jasmine Sweeting Course: Level 1 Diploma in Wall and Floor Tiling I have always wanted to be a builder from a very young age so I could build my mum a house. I spoke to my cousin who is a qualiﬁed plumber about the trade and she found it very interesting. I knew I wanted to do a similar course and to help me decide which area of construction to go in to, I put my name down at school for a taster day at Bradford College. I thoroughly enjoyed the day and took part in practical activities including plumbing and brickwork. I discussed the day with my family and friends and was recommended Leeds College of Building by a family member. Without hesitating, I applied to do a level 1 plumbing course at the College. During the summer running up to the start of my plumbing course, I was excited and couldn’t wait to start. I didn’t worry that I may be in the minority being a girl, it was what I wanted to do and I get on with both female and male students anyway, so it wasn’t a barrier for me.

WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION When I arrived on my ﬁrst day, I found out that I was the only girl in the class, but this didn’t bother me and there were quite a few other female students on different courses based at the same site as me. My friends and family had all been supportive of my decision to follow my dream and learn a trade. I didn’t experience any criticism or negative comments and received more positive and encouraging comments than anything. I completed the level 1 plumbing course and came back to do level 1 and 2 in tiling. I hope to complete this over two years and then return to complete a level 2 in plumbing. I am keen to gain as many qualiﬁcations in this area as I can to increase my chances of securing an Apprenticeship. I do prefer plumbing but I am also enjoying tilling too. I feel like a valued member of my group and I am treated the same as any other student, by both my peers and tutors. I am now more keen than ever to work in construction and feel that it is a bonus that I am female, as some people may feel more comfortable having a female plumber or trades person in their home. I would advise all females interested in a career in construction and the building industry to apply to Leeds Building College and give it a go; they might be better than they think and will never know if they don’t try. I am happy I applied and have received some excellent comments and praise from my tutors. If I hadn’t come to Leeds College of Building, I know I would have always regretted it.

CASE STUDY #8

NAME: Michelle White Course: Level 3 Diploma in Gas Installation and Maintenance I always wanted to work in the building trade but I didn’t really think it was an option for me as I thought it was what men did, rather than women.

Whilst at school, I didn’t have the option to do woodwork or metal work, instead I had to do sewing which wasn’t really what I wanted to do. When I left school, I ended up working in a ﬂorist with my mum. When I was aged 24 I decided to follow my dream and go back to college to study plumbing. My husband was very proud of me and had always supported my decision to learn a trade. My dad was less enthusiastic about it as he was an engineer and had his own plumbing and heating business. He knew that it was hard work and thought it would not be the best career for a woman. I was determined though and my dad reluctantly let me do some work experience with him. I then saw an opportunity for an Apprenticeship advertised online with Doncaster Council and went for it. I passed the application and interview process and was offered the place. I have been with them for 3 years now and have never looked back. I am so pleased that

WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION I made the decision to move in to the construction industry. I have completed the level 1 and 2 in Gas installation and Maintenance and I am half way through the third year. I am hoping that Doncaster Council will offer me a fulltime job once I am fully qualiďŹ ed. Once I have qualiďŹ ed my wage will increase and I will be able to apply for much higher paid jobs and continue to progress in the industry. It has all been worth it as I can earn more money now than in my previous job and I enjoy what I am doing. My working day is so varied and I am always travelling to different houses in and around Doncaster. I love meeting so many different and interesting people and I am glad that I can help them. My job is to mainly service and repair boilers and sometimes install them. I get treated the same as the men I work with and have not come across any negative comments or discrimination. My dad is very proud of my achievements and has changed his opinion about me working in the trade. He now phones me up for advice.

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