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Women in Construction Statistics

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.

Ian Dixon Scholarship

Our Head of Social Value Sasha Simmonds has been awarded the Sir Ian Dixon Scholarship. She will spend two years studying the difference in education offerings between Female and Male prison estates.

At the end of the 2 years, Sasha will become a Yeoman for The Worshipful Company of Constructors. We are proud to say that we are the first Agency & Logistics contractor to be awarded this scholarship. The end goal is to encourage Construction Companies to support more Female prison estates with Construction workshops.

Sir Ian Dixon was CIOB’s President from 1989 to 1990 and head of Willmott Dixon. He was an enthusiastic supporter of innovation and education within the industry. The scholarship was established in 1997. It is funded and supported by the Sir Ian Dixon Legacy, The Chartered Institute of Building, and The Worshipful Company of Constructors Charitable Trust.

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Our Team

Ailish Connolly

Health & Safety Advisor

Genevieve Odularu

Logistics Manager

Josie Dowling

Social Value Executive

Megan Lennon

DMS Project Administrator

Sasha Bayly Simmonds

Head of Social Value

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.

 

Josie Dowling

I have been with O’Neill & Brennan since 2020. I started as a Labour Manager and gained many different skills while here. I have since progressed to Social Value Executive and work nationally across the UK.

I am proud of the work I do here at O’Neill & Brennan, knowing that what I do can quite literally change someone’s life and gives someone with a diverse background a second chance. It's nice to know that the two women in the social value department can make all the difference in a male-dominated industry.

The industry is changing, with more women choosing a career in construction, and I hope that more women feel confident and supported enough to decide on these roles. I’m looking forward to seeing more equal opportunities in the industry and hope we can continue supporting this.

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.

Sasha Bayly Simmonds

I’ve been in construction for 7 years now and as a women it can be very challenging. However, with the support of the right people you can really make your mark.

I have been lucky to have the support of the directors here at O’Neill & Brennan, which has enabled me to build my own division. In other companies I’ve felt like my voice hasn’t be heard and my opinions have been pushed back. Here at O’Neill & Brennan, I’m encouraged to speak my mind and pursue my ideas.

Being in the industry as a women can be hard, but it doesn’t have to be… Where you work and who you work with dictates your path!

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.