Inspiring women to work in construction

It’s Women in Construction Week, with International Women’s Day this Saturday, and we are highlighting some of the amazing women who are studying at the University of Salford and working at the same time in the Construction industry.

WIC Week celebrates and promotes the role of women in the construction industry, as more and more women see it as a viable career.

Among them is Kamila, who is 42, and until three years ago was running her own business. But the constant stress led her to look at other options and she was recommended a career in Quantity Surveying.

Kamila said: “Quantity surveying was something that appealed to me, it ticked all my boxes. I used to have a small business but wanted a change of direction. I enjoy the process and seeing buildings going up, it’s very satisfying to know that I played a part.”

For the last seven months she has been studying part time for a undergraduate degree while working for Casey Group so gets paid while studying, taking the pressure off her finances. Kamila is planning to stay with Casey Group when she graduates as she has had such a good experience with the employer.

Commenting on her experiences in the workplace she said: “Nothing surprised me really but it does sometimes feel like it’s a man’s world, there are still meetings that I am an only woman in a room, but oftentimes there are female colleague joining so things are slowly changing. I’ve not had any negative reactions from anyone and it’s a great working environment.

“It has changed my life and made me so happy, I’m feeling better in myself now, it has complexly changed your life.”

And Construction Project Management student, Esha Ahmed, has been working at design and build group JN Bentley as part of her degree at Salford.

Looking back on her course so far, Esha describes having a positive experience, surrounded by an excellent team. Despite being the only woman on the site most of the time, she expressed feeling just as valued as anyone else and has thanked her colleagues for welcoming her onto the crew.

Currently working on a wastewater treatment project, she notes that she has been encouraged to ask questions and not hesitate to come to the team for any advice, describing them as “always happy to help”.

Esha said: “It would definitely be a bonus to see more women working in the industry and there is no reason why it shouldn’t happen.

“Having women on a team is always useful. It’s nice to meet and connect with other women in the field.”

Nicky Harris, Programme Leader and Lecturer of the Construction Project Management and Placements and Employability Tutor for the Built Environment course, at the University of Salford, said: “We are extremely proud of all our female students that have shown their talents in this industry.

“The numbers of women on the programmes is growing. I feel the main reason for this is due to the huge push that has been taking place with the professional bodies, the industry as a whole and certainly the university has been instrumental in encouraging and inspiring young people, particularly girls in an exciting and challenging career that is varied, well paid and has good career progression.”