Through highlighting opportunities for on-site roles as part of Women in Construction Week, William Davis Homes is promoting careers in the housebuilding industry for female tradespeople.
Evvie Laverne (pictured), trainee assistant site manager at William Davis’ Regency Park development in Castle Donington, said she was drawn to a construction career because she enjoys being outside and wasn’t drawn to an office-based role.
She said: “My advice to anyone considering a career in this industry, male or female, is the same – if you’re interested then go for it.”
Electrician Felicity Monks, who works at the Thorpebury in the Limes development in Thurmaston, said there was still a misconception that a career on building sites wasn’t an option for women.
She said: “I think there’s a big misconception that we can’t do it because we’re girls and we’re not physically able to do the tasks at hand.
“When I first started, I wasn’t as strong as I am now, but neither were some of the boys – it’s no different just because we’re girls.”
Felicity said she’d like to make more people – both male and female – aware that working in the construction industry can be a great career option.
She continued: “I think there needs to be more conversations with people at school leaver age, when they’re making their decisions in year 10 and year 11, so they’re aware that apprenticeships in construction are an option. Women need to see first-hand that women are in construction and that it is possible to do an apprenticeship and get paid while you learn, instead of going to college or university.”
Apprentice plumber Lillie Barker, also based at Thorpebury in the Limes, said she believes a construction career is still seen by some as a fall-back option.
She commented: “One of the misconceptions is that the construction industry is a second option if someone can’t get into college or university because they’ve not got the grades.
“A construction career was my first choice and I’m happy I went for it.”
Guy Higgins, managing director of William Davis Homes, said: “We’re proud of the hard work which our site teams put in and we always champion construction careers as a great opportunity for both men and women.
“Women in Construction Week is a great opportunity to highlight that opportunity awaits on our sites, and we would encourage anyone who is interested in a construction career to find out more.”
