FMB Northern Ireland is encouraging young people to consider construction careers, with new research highlighting how female role models could inspire the next generation
It comes as new FMB research found that around three in ten Northern Ireland adults say seeing more women in construction careers would make them more likely to encourage their child into the industry, the highest of anywhere in the UK.
Now, FMB is sending a clear message to students in Northern Ireland: consider a career in construction, no matter who you are; there is a place for you.
Gavin McGuire, FMB Northern Ireland director, explained: “Northern Ireland’s small building firms need the next generation, and the public here have told us exactly what would win them over – seeing women doing these jobs.
“Whether you’re strongest at maths, design, IT or working with your hands, there’s a job on site or in the office behind it that fits, and your local college or a local FMB member is the place to start.”
Case studies: How construction careers have changed these women’s lives
Breige Collins
FMB member Breige Collins trained as a nurse and began helping with the paperwork on her days off when her husband set up on his own after the recession closed the construction company he managed in 2011.
14 years on, that side job is Marlfield Joinery & Construction in Portaferry, a bespoke residential building company with its own in-house cabinetry workshop, and Breige is its office manager, running client communication, supplier accounts and project management.
She said: “Professionally, construction let me completely change career path. Personally, it gave me the flexibility to balance work and childcare as our family grew.
“It’s been a breath of fresh air to see more and more women entering the sector, and we’re proud to have trained two female joiner apprentices in our company.”
She continued: “My advice to anyone considering construction careers is simple: if you have an interest in any part of it – a skilled trade, manufacturing, traditional building methods, design, surveying, accounts, health and safety – explore it. There is a place for you.”
Jemma Catterson
Award-winning FMB member Jemma Catterson took a different route to the same conclusion. She started in a health, safety, environmental, and quality role at Lowry Building & Civil Engineering in Castlederg and now helps decide which projects the firm takes on as a business development manager.
“Construction offers so many opportunities, and it matters that more women and girls see themselves in that future,” Jemma said.
“At Lowry we have women in engineering, quantity surveying, marketing, site management, safety and accounting – all central to the success of the business. Some still think this isn’t an industry for women. That’s changing.”
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