Women in Construction Hub

Being a woman in a male dominated industry can be a lonely place. We are on a mission to change the face of the construction industry, create a diverse industry and a healthier culture from the top to the bottom.

In order for us to be successful we need to stick together and pass work between ourselves to help us thrive and have opportunities which may never have arisen previously.

Explore North West Hub Strategy

Driving Institutional Change Across the UK

While individual isolation is a symptom of a legacy culture, our network provides the structural cure. We are scaling our nationwide mission by launching dedicated Regional Hubs - starting with the North West.

By organising regional boards, mobilising committees, and driving corporate alignment, we are turning local alliances into national economic power.

Join the Regional Network

Empowering Women Across the Built Environment

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We are making noise, shouting about the benefits of WiC and supporting women to enter the industry and remain.

We use our collective voice to make change at government level, passing on your thoughts and starting initiatives to help women in the industry.

The hub stretches beyond construction, and we help women nationwide, donating money raised from our awards to charities who support women. We lead with passion and purpose and want to see a change for women. We want equal opportunities, equal pay and a community which supports each other.

Become a WIC Hub Region Member

Our Regional Footprint

We are taking our national mission to the local level by establishing regional hubs designed to tackle localized industry culture, build active site connections, and support professional advancement.

Hubs Launching

Establishing an action-driven community across Manchester, Liverpool, and the North West region. Led by Chair Sophie Seddon-Hall and a dedicated 9-member committee.

View North West Hub & Strategy

Hubs Coming Soon

Expanding across the West Midlands, London, South East, Scotland, Wales, and beyond to support, connect, and empower strong women nationwide.

Register Regional Interest

Inspire the Next Generation

Partner with our regional hubs to inspire young women and break industry barriers. We collaborate with schools and colleges to deliver outreach, workshops, and early talent pathways.

Partner With Us / Register Interest

Regional Events & Structural Inclusivity

Culture Hub Stage flyer Hosted by Design and Build UK sponsored by Gleeds

Led by our regional committees, our upcoming calendar introduces game-changing formats including live podcast recordings, trade-specific sessions, corporate "Site Swaps," and youth outreach initiatives.

Go to this page to find all upcoming events through our women in construction hub and also external events, which we have checked out to ensure they are as inclusive as possible.

This should be used to find new opportunities to network, meet new clients and get to know like-minded women in construction.

View Upcoming Events

Commercial Growth & Industry Partnerships

Exploring the benefits and challenges of recruiting internally versus externally in the construction industry. Pros and Cons of Internal Recruitment Internal recruitment in the construction industry comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. One major benefit of internal recruitment is that it promotes employee loyalty and boosts morale. When a construction company hires internally, it shows employees that their hard work and dedication are recognized and valued. This can lead to increased job satisfaction and retention. Another advantage of internal recruitment is that it saves time and resources. Since internal candidates are already familiar with the company's policies, procedures, and culture, they require less training and onboarding. This can result in a smoother transition and faster integration into the new role. However, internal recruitment also has its limitations. One drawback is the potential for limited diversity and fresh perspectives. By primarily hiring internally, construction companies may miss out on the opportunity to bring in new ideas and skills from outside the organization. Additionally, internal recruitment can create a sense of favouritism or unfairness among employees who were not considered for the position. Pros and Cons of External Recruitment External recruitment, on the other hand, offers its own set of advantages and disadvantages in the construction industry. One major benefit is the ability to bring in fresh talent and diverse perspectives. By casting a wider net and considering candidates from outside the organization, construction companies can tap into a larger pool of talent and potentially find individuals with unique skills and experiences. Another advantage of external recruitment is the potential for innovation. New hires from external sources may bring fresh ideas and approaches to the construction industry, helping the company stay competitive and adapt to changing market trends. However, external recruitment also has its challenges. One disadvantage is the longer hiring process and higher costs associated with sourcing and screening external candidates. Construction companies may need to invest more time and resources in advertising job openings, reviewing resumes, conducting interviews, and conducting background checks. Additionally, external hires may require more onboarding and training compared to internal candidates. They need to familiarize themselves with the company's policies, procedures, and culture, which can take additional time and effort. Best Practices for Internal Recruitment in Construction When it comes to internal recruitment in the construction industry, there are several best practices that can help ensure a successful process. First, it's important to clearly communicate internal job openings to all eligible employees. This can be done through company-wide announcements, internal newsletters, or dedicated job boards. Another best practice is to establish fair and transparent selection criteria. This helps eliminate any perception of favouritism or bias and ensures that all eligible employees have an equal opportunity to apply and be considered for internal positions. Additionally, providing training and development opportunities for employees can help build a strong internal talent pool. By investing in their growth and skills enhancement, construction companies can cultivate a pool of qualified internal candidates for future job openings. Strategies for Successful External Recruitment in Construction To ensure successful external recruitment in the construction industry, companies can implement several strategies. First, it's important to clearly define the job requirements and qualifications to attract the right candidates. This includes specifying the necessary skills, experience, and certifications. Another strategy is to leverage online job platforms and professional networks to reach a wider audience of potential candidates. Construction companies can post job openings on industry-specific websites, social media platforms, and professional networking sites to attract qualified candidates. Furthermore, conducting thorough interviews and reference checks can help ensure the suitability and reliability of external candidates. This includes verifying their past work experience, skills, and qualifications to make informed hiring decisions. Lastly, offering competitive compensation packages and employee benefits can help attract top talent from external sources. Construction companies should consider benchmarking their salary and benefits offerings against industry standards to remain competitive in the recruitment market.

Our 12-month strategy expands how women access corporate markets. We move past basic networking to actively embed our members into major regional procurement pipelines, supply chains, and B2B joint venture frameworks.

Our partnerships with industry leaders allow us to bring you the latest news from the industry, including job opportunities, new tenders (both public and private sector) discounts at suppliers and manufacturers, discount on career development courses (all of which have been vetted by our experts) opportunities for free courses, latest info on grants and also all info on events.

Use the women in construction hub when looking for new contracts and offers throughout the industry.

Become a Member

Women in Construction Hub Voices

“As a solo business owner in the construction industry, the WIC hub really appealed to me, the idea of meeting other women in the industry to feel supported by and work with.

I’ve found that women in the hub love to support fellow women and are always there for a bit of mental support and if there is an opportunity to bring you into a project, they do. If you are a woman in construction, you need to be part of this.”

Hayley Roberts
Director, Cube Lighting Design

FAQ's

What types of jobs are available for women in the construction industry?

Women can work in a wide range of roles in the construction industry, including architects, engineers, surveyors, project managers, quantity surveyors, estimators, health and safety professionals, electricians, plumbers, carpenters, bricklayers, and many others. When you are a member of WIC hub we will send you job opportunities weekly along with free and paid training opportunities.

Do I need any specific qualifications to work in the construction industry?

This will depend on the specific job you are interested in. Some roles, such as architects and engineers, require a degree in a relevant subject. Other roles may require vocational qualifications, such as a trade apprenticeship. It's important to research the specific requirements for the role you are interested in.

Is the construction industry a male-dominated field?

Historically, the construction industry has been male dominated, but there has been a shift in recent years towards greater diversity and inclusion. Many employers are actively seeking to increase the number of women working in the industry. Check out our WIC hub partners who are all open about their desire to continue/ become more diverse.

What can I do to prepare for a career in the UK construction industry?

You can gain relevant qualifications, such as a degree in a relevant subject or a vocational qualification. You can also seek out work experience or apprenticeships to gain practical skills and knowledge. It's also important to develop soft skills, such as communication and teamwork, which are highly valued in the industry. We regularly send information about new training programmes available for WIC, if you are a member check out our resource hub for free information on a huge range of topics.

How can I find job opportunities in the construction industry?

There are several ways to find job opportunities in the construction industry, including searching online job boards, networking with professionals in the industry, attending job fairs or industry events, and contacting construction companies directly. Subscribe to our newsletter to be kept up to date with new opportunities.

Is construction a good career choice?

Yes, construction can be a rewarding and fulfilling career choice for many people. It can offer a range of opportunities for career progression and professional development, as well as the satisfaction of building and creating something tangible.

Are there physical requirements for working in construction?

Yes, some jobs in construction can be physically demanding, requiring a certain level of fitness and strength. For example, manual labour roles such as bricklaying, roofing, and carpentry may involve heavy lifting, climbing, and other physical tasks. That being said, construction is becoming more attractive to women as we understand that physical strength is not the only requirement. Look at industries such as police, fire brigade, football etc that were all once seen as male roles and are now open to all. In addition, there are many different careers within construction that don’t involve any manual labour.

Are construction sites high-risk environments?

Construction sites can be high-risk environments due to the nature of the work, which often involves working at heights, with heavy machinery and power tools, and in hazardous conditions. However, employers are legally required to take measures to ensure the safety of workers, such as providing protective equipment and training. The construction industry is one of the highest governed industries when it comes to occupational health and safety, if working conditions were unsafe the site would be shut down, therefor risk is always assessed.

Is there career progression opportunities in the construction industry?

Yes, there are many opportunities for career progression in the construction industry. You may be able to move up the ranks within your chosen trade or profession, or you could progress into a management role, such as a site manager, project manager, or director. There are also opportunities for specialization, such as in sustainable construction or heritage restoration, which can open up new career paths. Further education and training can also help to advance your career in the industry.