The Circle Partnership has launched a pilot programme in Scotland aimed at female talent retention
Numbers of Scottish women in construction are expected to rise, improving gender balance in the construction, property, and energy sectors.
The Circle Partnership has already made headway in England with a 12-month talent development programme for mid-level women, which tends to see the highest number of drop-offs.
Providing the skills and confidence to continue
The programme is dedicated to providing mid-level women in construction with the skills, connections, and confidence to both stay and thrive in the sector. The programme will see female leaders from construction organisations including EDF, Artus, SSE, Brodies, Rettie, Shoosmiths, and Thomas and Adamson, will act as mentors.
Ceri Moyers, co-founder of The Circle Partnership, said: “We’re excited to be bringing the Circle Academy to Scotland and have been hugely encouraged by the support shown from female leaders in terms of their willingness to mentor with us. We know that our programme is making a difference to the sector’s capacity and capability, and we want to bring that impact to Scotland, particularly in the face of all of the upcoming investment in the education and energy sector and the associated skills challenges this brings.
“The Circle Academy pilot, which will commence in 2026, is designed to address the primary barriers women face to progression at work and combines emerging leadership training, a thought leadership summit, networking and advocacy events, and cross-sector mentoring with senior female industry leaders.”
HBF is also supporting women in the industry
The Home Builders Federation (HBF) launched their seventh Women into Home Building programme, designed to encourage and support women into the housebuilding sector.
This round of the programme had 45 fully funded employer placements which included a week of online training and insight sessions for site management skills and knowledge, and two weeks of work experience at local building sites.
Andy George, director of industry attraction and skills at HBF, said: “The success of the Women into Home Building programme is a testament to how the industry is proactively working to enhance diversity and develop a skilled and inclusive workforce. These efforts play a vital role in attracting a wider talent pool into the sector.
“As a leading voice in the industry, we are committed to supporting entry routes for women and the practical steps being taken to widen participation. Our initiative offers an opportunity for women around the UK to gain valuable skills and progress into future industry management and leadership roles.”
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