Women in Construction: Interview with Esther

Today is International Women’s Day, a global day to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.

There is still a major gender imbalance within the construction industry with women making up just 16% of the workforce. That’s why as a business, we’re committed to improving gender equality in all levels of seniority at Newett Homes to encourage women to join the construction community.

At Newett Homes we’re proud to have a higher-than-average proportion of women as part of our workforce; 33% of our staff and 40% of our site management team.

This year, the theme for International Women’s Day is to embrace equity. Getting the world talking about why equal opportunities aren’t enough. “People start from different places, so true inclusion and belonging require equitable action.”

Esther is one of our site managers here at Newett Homes. As part of International Women’s Day we interviewed her about her experience within the industry, what she enjoys the most about her job and her advice to other women considering the construction industry.

What was your first role in the property industry?

I was very lucky to start straight in as an Assistant Site Manager 9 years ago. I worked hard and was promoted to Site Manager within 5 years.

Why did you choose property and construction as a career?

I have always wanted to work within construction, and I knew Newett Homes had a positive reputation of supporting female construction workers with their development and goals. I knew Newett Homes was the company I wanted to join and they could give me the help I needed to progress my career within construction.

What are your day-to-day responsibilities here at Newett Homes?

No day is the same on-site! It can vary from. It can vary from meetings with the local council or discussing road works to customer visits, seeing their new home progressing. From making sure all the guys are safe and sound on-site to checking all the works against drawings and for quality. The list goes on and on.

What attracted you to Newett Homes?

I wanted to work for a company that built luxury into their homes and enabled you as a site manager to focus on quality. The day you hand the keys to a customer is the moment that makes all the effort and hard work as a Site Manager worthwhile. I knew Newett Homes would give me everything I need so that when it comes to a customer move-in day, I can proudly stand in front of the customer and present their beautiful new home to them and see the beaming smiles on their faces.

What do you enjoy most about your job role?

No two days are the same and there is something new to learn every single day. I also enjoy creating a safe and happy site environment where people want to come, work hard and give you their best.

Do you feel that the industry is encouraging more women to get into construction?

I think it’s about celebrating days like today and making it known that there are women within construction, it’s not a man’s world, at all. It all helps to make it a little less scary or intimidating for other women to come and give it ago.

Why would you recommend a career in construction to women?

It’s hard work but it is so rewarding. The pride I feel when I drive past a completed development I’ve worked on and tell anyone that will listen that I helped build that. It’s a priceless feeling.

What advice would you give to women who are looking at a career in construction?

Go for it. Get on-site, spend time with everyone and sponge in all their experience and knowledge from them. Have a laugh and enjoy every day.

 

At Newett Homes, we’re ambitious. We’ve always got plans to improve, develop and grow our business and it’s our people who help make it happen. If you’re thinking of a career in construction or taking your next step, take a look at our careers page – https://newetthomes.co.uk/careers/

For more information on International Women’s Day, visit: https://www.internationalwomensday.com/