Construction is 'no longer a man's world' says female assistant site manager

Added by Love Business East Midlands | 1 March 2020

Ahead of International Women’s Day on Sunday 8th March, a Trainee Assistant Site Manager at David Wilson Homes is encouraging more women to ‘take the bull by the horns’ and pursue a career in construction.

Georgina Mayfield (30), has worked for the leading developer for more than two years and, since leaving her office job, she hasn’t looked back. Now working her way up the career ladder in the sector, she wants to show other women why it’s such a great role for females of all ages.

She said:

“I think that, whilst more and more women are taking on construction roles, there still needs to be more of us, as it’s no longer a man’s world. I have been completely accepted in my role; everyone is very accommodating and more than happy to give me guidance as I learn.

“As a female construction worker, it’s extremely important for me to be an ambassador for the industry. I can’t help but feel some stages warrant a woman’s touch, I’m not going to sugar coat it at all - some aspects can be difficult for a woman in the industry, however the majority is manageable. If you have the respect of your team onsite, along with your managers, they will back you and support you every step of the way.

“When I started, I knew there were women in the industry but my perceptions were that the female positions were either sales or in the head office, not active on site. This has now changed massively.”

Through the support of David Wilson Homes East Midlands, Georgina is going into schools to talk to young adults about her role and teaching them about women in the housebuilding industry. This is something she hopes to do more in the future and is grateful to have an employer who encourages her to do so. 

On what she enjoys most about her role, Georgina said:

“Every day is different and every home is unique. We create hand built masterpieces every day and I love handing over a beautiful new home to its new family.

“I like how I have the chance to progress in my career here. I’ve been put through some extensive training and I’m still being trained. I am currently in the process of completing my NVQ with David Wilson Homes, which they are supporting me through.

“My employers purchased my uniform in a ladies cut, not just the standard men’s shirts they are used to getting, which was very accommodating.”

With a number of female employees already in a range of roles across the company, David Wilson Homes wants to remind women from all skill sets of the different roles available and is encouraging them to put their experience to the industry.

John Reddington, Managing Director at David Wilson Homes East Midlands, said:

“We want to quash the age-old stereotype that the construction industry is a male dominated field, as we have many women who work out on site as well as in office-based roles.

“With a range of departments within the company, we want to remind women that there are a variety of different roles that can be offered within the business that have great benefits and excellent opportunities for career progression.

“As one of the country’s top developers we are absolutely committed to developing raw talent and support our staff with training.”

Some roles within the industry include:

Based out on site – Electricians, Plasterers, Engineers, Fork-lift Driver, Scaffolders, Bricklayers, Site Manager, Contracts Manager

Based at Head Office – Architectural Technician, Surveyors, Land and Planning Managers, Estimator, Buyer, Finance Administrator

Further information about career opportunities currently available can be found at www.barrattcareers.co.uk

For more information call the David Wilson Homes sales team on 033 3355 8483 or visit www.dwh.co.uk.

< Back