The Home Builders Federation (HBF) Women into Home Building programme has seen the largest number of employers join since its inception in 2023
There are more than 45 employer placements available in the seventh HBF Women in Construction Programme.
The programme will see participants undergo a week of online training and insight sessions, fully funded, that target skills and knowledge in site management. After this, participants will have two weeks of work experience at a local home building site placement.
Developing a skilled and inclusive workforce
The course will offer hands-on knowledge and experience of industry operations and the responsibilities of a site manager.
Accessibility funds will also be available, including travel and childcare contributions.
Over the course of this programme’s lifetime, more than 230 women have received experience in home-building roles with support, career advice, and on-site experiences, working with firms including Anwyl Homes, Bargate Homes, Bellway Homes, Crest Nicholson, Taylor Wimpey, and more.
Women currently only make up 16% of the construction workforce, and just 4% of site managers.
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.”
The Women into Home Building programme is now open for applications until 21 September, with the cohort to begin training in November.
Addressing critical issues such as the gender pay gap
In November last year, MyWorkWear released data showing that the gender gap in construction had widened, with a decline in 2024 after a decade of minor improvement up to 12%.
Issues preventing women from getting into the construction industry include the gender pay gap – with electricians and plumbers noting a gap of 43% – maternity pay issues, making life with maternity pay “unliveable,” and few benefits in place for menopause leave.
Writing for PBC in March, Jemma Shorrock of Boyer also discusses the issue of imposter syndrome for women in construction, with issues such as maternity leave making it more difficult to return to work, and imposter syndrome making it more difficult to begin work within the industry in the first place.
Jemma wrote: “Imposter syndrome can trigger a domino effect. It normally begins with anxiety, leading you to overthink. The stress then piles on, affecting your sleep and appetite and, before you know it, the cycle deepens, leaving you in a mental and emotional rut. What once seemed manageable becomes overwhelming, and the toll it takes on your wellbeing can leave many in a bad position. It’s evident that this has a direct consequence on career progression.
A combination of lack of self-belief and societal pressures creates instances when we second-guess our own capabilities. Passing comments, past occurrences or certain factors in our lives can lodge themselves somewhere deep in our minds. These moments fuel feelings of uncertainty and shake our courage at times when we least expect it.”
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