WOMEN entering the construction industry will be able to benefit from support for training costs and childcare as part of a new intiative.

The Home Builders Federation (HBF) has joined forces with Women into Construction to launch an employment programme aimed at addressing gender imbalance in the construction workforce – which currently sees just 16 percent female representation.

Working closely with employers Barratt Developments, Bellway Homes, Cala Homes, The Hill Group, Keepmoat, Persimmon Homes, Redrow, St Modwen and Vistry Group, the project hopes tro attract women into site management roles by offering a funded programme.

The programme will include:
• Site visits (central locations and online)
• A week of online insight and development sessions, including Q&As with site managers and employers, and employability and health and safety training
• Two-week on-site work placement
• 1-2-1 coaching and support from Women into Construction
Work placements will take place at sites across England, offering participants first-hand experience of the site manager role and how they could help industry deliver much-needed homes.
Women interested in the opportunity are invited to register to attend an online information session at 11am on Tuesday, January 31.

At the event, they will learn more about the programme and meet the employers involved.
Women into Construction’s business development director, Jacqui Wordsworth, said: “With women representing just 4 percent of site managers, we want to inspire and encourage more women to take up a career in home building – helping us and our employer partners to change the face of construction.”
And Jenny Herdman, director for HBF’s Home Building Skills Partnership, added: “The home building industry is facing a significant skills shortage.
“If we are to build the new housing this country desperately needs, it is vital that we attract a broad range of entrants into the industry.
“HBF is delighted to be working with Women into Construction to increase the number of female site managers in the industry and show that there are opportunities for people of all backgrounds and talents to develop a rewarding career in home building.”