The Home Builders Federation (HBF) has launched the seventh cohort of its Women into Home Building programme, with a “record” number of housebuilders joining the initiative.
The autumn 2025 Women into Home Building programme, which was established in 2023, has more than 45 placements available across England, Scotland and Wales, introducing the possibilities of careers in site management, offering practical experience and a chance to work in the industry.
The programme has become “a key activity for creating a strong talent pipeline and an inclusive workforce, reinforcing the industry’s commitment to attracting the future workforce,” said the HBF.
Since it started over two-and-a-half years ago, more than 230 women have received support, career advice and exposure to roles in housebuilding.
For this latest phase, 13 housebuilders are sponsoring placements on their sites: Anwyl Homes, Bargate Homes, Bellway Homes, Crest Nicholson, Gleeson Homes, Hill Group, Pentland Homes, Prospect Homes, Stonebond, Taylor Wimpey, untypical, Vistry Group and Wates Residential.
Participants attend a week of funded online training and insight sessions, to build basic knowledge of site management. They then attend a two-week experience placement at a local housebuilder’s site for hands-on work and exposure to leadership opportunities. The programme contributes to travel and childcare costs to ensure it is as accessible as possible.
HBF said the initiative was a crucial element of the Home Building Sector Skills Plan, the updated iteration of which launched last week as a blueprint for the industry to “grow and develop a resilient future workforce” to help deliver the UK’s housing targets.
Currently, figures show that women represent only 4% of site managers, and the HBF believes the programme “plays a crucial role in addressing the sector’s gender imbalance”.
The initiative is open for applications until midnight on 21st September 2025, with placements planned to start in November. It is suitable both for women who are entirely new to the industry and women already working in trades. Applications can be made here pathwayctm.com/wihb.
Gillen Aggrey, who participated in the Spring 2025 cohort and is now working in the housebuilding industry, said: “I can honestly say this is the beginning of a new chapter in my life now. Doing all this landed me an interview, along with my site manager telling me I could always use him as a reference for future positions. The teams I have been introduced to have all made me feel more welcome than any other job.”
Andy George, HBF’s director of industry attraction and skills, said: “The success of the Women into Home Building programme is a testament to how the industry is proactively working to enhance diversity and develop a skilled and inclusive workforce. These efforts play a vital role in attracting a wider talent pool into the sector.
“As a leading voice in the industry, we are committed to supporting entry routes for women and the practical steps being taken to widen participation. Our initiative offers an opportunity for women around the UK to gain valuable skills and progress into future industry management and leadership roles.”
