Participants in the HBF’s Women into Home Building programme have reported great success following their work experience placements with Anwyl Homes.
The three-week programme aims to encourage and support more women to explore leadership careers within the industry. It includes a week of funded online training and insight sessions, offering foundational knowledge in site management, which is followed by a two-week work experience placement that provides direct exposure to industry operations and leadership responsibilities.
For Soudabeh Davoudabadi, who has relocated to the UK from Iran, the scheme offered a pathway into the UK construction industry.
Of her time at the Whittle Brook Park development in Heywood she said: “I want to bring my international experience to a UK-based role and grow professionally. The placement was an opportunity to refresh, update and align my skills with UK industry practices.”
Nobu Ndebele took part in the programme at Anwyl’s Dalton Fields development in Chorlton, explaining: “I was looking for a fresh challenge and new direction after maternity leave. I want a fulfilling, hands-on career where each day feels meaningful and rewarding. I was inspired to apply for the Women into Home Building programme by the idea of helping build homes for real families.”
Women into Home Building was launched in January 2023 and has successfully supported candidates through introductory training and hands-on work experience, with many gaining employment within the industry.
Lauren Humphreys, head of HR at Flintshire-based Anwyl, said: “The Women into Home Building programme is a fantastic scheme and we’re proud to have been able to host three placements under the initiative. It’s a great way for women to gain an insight into potential career opportunities in site management. We have women working in every department of the business including as architectural technicians, buyers and in the sales and marketing department, all with potential for career progression.”
HBF chief executive Neil Jefferson said: “Building the talent pipeline and growing industry’s workforce is critical to increasing housing supply numbers at the levels required.
“The Women into Home Building programme helps to introduce more prospective talent to the rewarding careers available within the industry and offer valuable training to strengthen the industry’s future talent pipeline. We are proud to have collaborated with our members to deliver this programme.”
