340,000+
women in UK work in construction
13%
of construction firms are owned by women
34%
of women are more likely to experience mental health issues than their male counterparts.
“It is vital to recognise where the industry is in its attitudes towards women and hear from women working in the industry so it can continue to build and grow its acceptance.
Working in the industry myself for the last 5 years, I noticed within a short period of time a big change of attitude towards women in the industry as well as new schemes and the number of women on site.
Reflecting on my first day as a Forklift Driver, I was driving through the site and a Grounds worker stopped and stared with eyes of shock for the entire time I drove past him. It wasn’t the only reaction I have experienced but I have noticed a decrease of reactions and an increase in support.
Whenever I start work on a new site, I do get anxious and worry someone will say something inappropriate or I won’t be taken seriously, but these feelings don’t last long. There is support and organisations out there you can talk to and I have been lucky to have many caring colleagues.
I have worked in other industries and none have had the same opportunities for growth and progression. I am happy in the industry and look forward to continuing my journey.
Ailish Connolly
Health & Safety Advisor
Genevieve Odularu
Logistics Manager
Megan Lennon
DMS Project Administrator
Isabella
Welfare Cleaner & progressing to Logistics Supervisor
Ailish Connolly
I was first employed at O’Neill & Brennan as an Administrator in the Labour and Trades Department in 2019. I quickly progressed into the position of Controller on site and in 2022 I commenced my current role as Health and Safety Advisor.
Growing up I never imagined that I would be now working in the Construction Industry, and that I would be following in the footsteps of the men in my family. I have been fortunate to have been given the opportunity to progress a career in construction, I am receiving excellent training, mentorship and constantly learning new skills. I am proud of what I have achieved to date, especially as a woman in male dominated Industry.
I hope other women will be inspired and feel encouraged to opt for a career in the Construction Industry, that the opportunities will be equal for all and that the Industry will strive for gender diversity
Genevieve Odularu
I have been working for O`Neill & Brennan for four years, and my current position is Logistics Manager. Through O’Neill & Brennan, I have completed an NVQ in construction management, IPAF for passenger and goods hoist qualification and NPORS, all sizes excluding 360 slew.
Currently, I am working as part of a team to construct two residential tower blocks in the centre of Manchester City Centre, known as Manchester Victoria.
Tower 1 will accommodate 293 apartments over 25 stories, with tower 2 accommodating 227 apartments over 20 levels.
I am responsible for providing clear leadership and direction to the logistics team I work within, currently engaged on this large-scale project, ensuring that the level of supervision is sufficient to meet the project challenge, particularly with respect to safety and quality.
On this project, I am responsible for overseeing all areas of the project regarding the site-wide logistics including but not limited to all forklift operations, traffic management, cleanliness of the site and the internals, management of welfare, site-specific inductions, health and safety and fire equipment maintenance.
Megan Lennon
I have been working in the construction industry as a logistics administrator for O’Neill & Brennan for four months. Although I’m new to the industry, I feel positive about my journey ahead.
Based on my own assumptions about construction, I was unsure that I could succeed as a woman in a predominantly male industry. However, since joining my company, I see that there are plenty of opportunities for woman to progress and succeed. There is no doubt that women in construction will come against challenges, but it is reassuring to see the efforts being made to create a more diverse workforce.
I feel proud to be a woman in construction and hope that we all continue to create an environment that recognises, develops and promotes women.
Isabella
I have been working in the construction industry for 2 years, starting as a Welfare Cleaner and progressing to Logistics Supervisor.
I am very proud of myself that I have been able to progress and very grateful for the support and encouragement that O’Neill & Brennan has given me.
As a woman, my journey into construction has been interesting and challenging. I try to support my colleagues and earn the same respect. The construction industry has changed a lot and with the increasing opportunities for women in the industry, we can continue to promote equality.
