Our new Site Manager, Carolyn Bradley-Winnett chats to us on International Women’s Day about her role at Newett Homes and what it’s like working in the construction industry.
Today is International Women’s Day, a global day to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. Here at Newett Homes, female employees make up 44% of our workforce, but unfortunately in the industry, the numbers are still low.
In a recent report entitled ‘A Blueprint for Change’, which was carried out by The Construction Industry, just 14% of the industry’s workforce is female. That’s why as a business, we’re committing to improving gender equality in all levels of seniority at Newett Homes to encourage women to join the construction community.
This year’s theme for International Women’s Day is ‘Choose To Challenge’, providing an opportunity to call out gender bias and inequality and seek out and celebrate women’s achievements.
One of our employees, Carolyn Bradley-Winnett, is one of those people worth celebrating in the industry. Carolyn, who joined Newett Homes earlier this year is the Site Manager for Newett Homes’ development in Wickersley, The Weavers, and joins the team with a wealth of experience.
Ahead of International Women’s Day, we spoke to Carolyn to ask for her thoughts on working in the industry, what she enjoys most about her job and her advice to women looking at a career in construction.
What was your first role in the property industry?
My first role in property was as a Customer Relations Officer, within this role I helped improve the quality of the properties built prior to handover and dealt with customers following completion. It was doing this that made me want to build the houses myself and therefore I moved into construction as an Assistant Site Manager and now a Manager.
Why did you choose property and construction as a career?
I have always worked within housing since leaving university, I have had a wide range of jobs that have allowed me to grow as an individual. I have always had a desire to work within construction but a change in my personal life allowed me to take the step towards this and I haven’t looked back.
What are your day-to-day responsibilities here at Newett Homes?
As a Site Manager at Newett Homes, I manage the day to day running of a fantastic new luxury site that will consist of eight 4 and 5 bedroomed homes. My role includes making sure all work is completed in line with programs and deadlines and communicating with management if there any problems or delays, ordering materials inline with the build program, working closely with all the trades/subcontractors to limit delays and make sure they have the correct details to complete their role and taking full responsibility for the safety of my team on-site at all times.
“I would advise any woman who has an interest in a career in construction to take the leap, being a woman shouldn’t hold you back.” – Carolyn Bradley-Winnett, Site Manager at Newett Homes.
What attracted you to Newett Homes?
Newett Homes has a fantastic reputation as a professional and friendly company that offers stunning properties at a high standard, therefore when offered the opportunity to be a Site Manager for Newett Homes I was extremely grateful for the opportunity to be part of the team.
What do you enjoy most about your job role?
I love my job as it is challenging and can be very demanding but no day is ever the same, I get great satisfaction in seeing a property grow into a stunning home for our customers to enjoy. I also love working with a wide variety of people, it takes great teamwork to get to the final product.
Do you feel that the industry is encouraging more women to get into construction?
I feel I have been very lucky as I have been surrounded by individuals that have wanted myself as a woman to succeed in this industry. I have worked with some fantastic people who treat me with respect as a manager and me being a woman has never been a concern.
Why would you recommend a career in construction to women?
I would highly recommend a career in construction for women, organisation is key and in my opinion, women tend to be good at this. As long as you don’t mind the poor English weather and getting muddy, then construction is really rewarding and being a woman certainly should not put anyone off wanting to get into this industry.
What advice would you give to women who are looking at a career in construction?
I would advise any woman who has an interest in a career in construction to take the leap, being a woman shouldn’t hold you back. I have had nothing but support from family, friends and colleagues. I feel extremely lucky to be in a job I love and working for a fantastic company that wants me to succeed.
For more information on International Women’s Day, visit: https://www.internationalwomensday.com/
There has never been a more exciting time to join Newett Homes and we’re always looking for talented individuals to join our dynamic and energetic team.
If you don’t see the right job on our careers page but have something to offer, please send us your CV and covering letter to careers@newetthomes.co.uk and we will be in touch if a suitable vacancy arises.
