Knowles Celebrates ‘Women in Construction’ Week 2022
Women in Construction week takes place in March every year and is celebrated as a time to highlight all the great initiatives and work of women within the industry. Through the celebration of women in construction, and the numerous efforts of the association, many more women have taken the bold step to venture into the industry, which is predominantly filled with men.
The stigma around women working in construction has reduced over the years, however, currently, women represent around 11% of the workforce in the construction sector, and as little as one percent of the manual trades.
At Knowles, we are proud to say that 40% of our Board is female and we have women across multiple roles and disciplines within the company, including, accounts, buying, marketing and on-site.
We spoke to some of Knowles’ female team members to find out more about working as a woman in construction:
Natalie Smith, Document Controller
What do you enjoy most about your job?
With Knowles I work in construction site offices and work on a number of active projects across London and the Home Counties, engaging with different client, design and construction teams and I enjoy that no two days are the same as this keeps the working day interesting. It is also great working on construction sites as get to see projects take shape from start to finish, literally from the ground up to client handover.
Have you always worked in construction?
With a couple of breaks in between I’ve worked in construction for coming up to 11 years in total on projects in the Home Counties, London, the Midlands and mainland Europe for a short time. Prior to Knowles I worked for a main contractor predominantly on commercial projects which is where I got to move around as relocated to where the project was based and an Architect Engineer practice in London.
How did you get into construction?
I initially began my career in construction as a temp worker, was taken on permanently after a few months and ended up staying with the company for 9 years.
What does a day a work look like for you?
Knowles use the document management system Viewpoint for Projects. My working day is mainly dictated by the project information received via Viewpoint for Projects which is uploaded by the design consultants and subcontractors on each individual project. I monitor Viewpoint for new and revised information, carry out a basic quality check of all documentation received and notify the design consultants to review and approve subcontractor information, and the construction team and subcontractors to ensure that all are working to the current construction information. I also set up new projects, have developed document management procedure documents and hold regular training sessions with the internal, client/design teams and subcontractors.
Are there any misconceptions about your job?
Document control is generally viewed as a generic admin role but it is a key part of the construction site team. There are a number of attributes required to carry out the role effectively but mostly you need to have great attention to detail and be able to work effectively as part of a team, which quite often includes the client themselves.
Building these professional relationships helps for example when you need to reject documentation when someone hasn’t followed the project guidelines, without them taking it personally – everyone has a job to do!
How would you encourage more women to get into construction?
I think articles such as this where profiles of existing female staff to encourage others into the construction industry. The construction sites I have worked on have always had a very small percentage of female employees but I just this morning saw an article promoting the first female crane operator in Ireland which goes to show that there are vast opportunities available for anyone interested in entering into construction.
Abbi Leanne Haynes, Assistant Buyer
Did you always want to work in construction?
Not at all, I actually studied towards working within the Travel & Tourism Industry. I fell into this industry by accident, but it has become one of the best career choices I have made.
What do you love most about working in the construction industry?
The fact that no 2 days are the same. Throughout my 8 years in the industry, I can honestly say I learn something new every day. I also love seeing each of our projects going through the various stages from start to finish, it really does fascinate me as I love architecture.
Do you have any advice for young people thinking about a career in construction?
Hard work really does pay off. Whether you have a degree, or you start from the bottom, it is still quite easy to climb the ladder as long as you apply yourself. Be confident and willing to adapt yourself as new building applications, techniques and procedures are being introduced all the time.
Women working in construction is becoming more common, but do you think there is still some kind of stigma or misconception preventing more women from joining the industry?
From my own perspective and experiences, the industry has come a long way. When I first started out in the Builders Merchants, I found it difficult to build up my client base just because I was a woman and they all assumed I had a lesser knowledge than my male colleagues. Once I built up my confidence and with backing from my colleagues and managers, I managed to get through preconceived notion this and excel.
In my current position as an Assistant Buyer at Knowles Construction, I can honestly say I have not faced any of these issues and I was quickly able to prove myself to be very competent to our site managers and suppliers alike.
In your view, what does the industry need to do to help attract and retain more women?
I believe it is pretty clear the industry is becoming more equal. I see more and more woman in various roles, even on the grab lorries etc. if anything this needs to be encouraged more within schools and vocational colleges to attract such students into the industry. At that age, I didn’t even know myself how diverse the construction industry could be, hence why I opted for Travel and Tourism. If I knew then what I know now I would have 100% joined this industry a lot sooner and would probably be a lot more advanced in my career.
Megan Steele-Knowles, Group Brand & Comms Director
Why do you think it is important to celebrate International Women’s Day?
Yes, absolutely. For a long time, women sat in the background – whether it be at an organisation, on a Board seat or generally within decision making roles. Therefore, we must celebrate this seismic shift, particularly within the Property and Construction sector, which have been slower at adapting and embracing this shift than others. Now are on the precipice of making real and permanent changes, we should shout about it and celebrate it, not only to recognise the work, but to inspire others to maintain this momentum.
Have you faced any challenges in your career as a woman and if so, how did you overcome them?
I have worked in both totally female dominated company (in a previous career) and now within a largely male dominated environment, and the difference has not been as stark as one might think. However, at Knowles, we are proud to have 40% of our Board as female, I would say that is about as high as you will get in 2022 within Construction.
Truthfully, I have never felt that that my gender has created any significant challenges for me, however on reflection I think it would be fair to say that albeit subconsciously, I have had to work that little bit harder to establish my position, particularly within male dominated environments. But the way to overcome any challenge is to reaffirm why and how, not only to yourself but to everyone around you and genuinely to stay firm in your beliefs.
Is there another woman on whom you would like to shine a light, in the luxury property industry and why?
Suzannah Nicholl, Chief Executive of Build UK is a role model particularly for women within the Construction Sector, or women wishing to get into Construction. Build UK is the leading industry body, and with a woman at the helm, this gives us the confidence that we do have a place in the sector.
How can we encourage more women to pursue entrepreneurship or senior leadership roles in the luxury property industry?
By talking about it and showing that it can happen, but most importantly, show that it does happen. I think there needs to be more of an emphasis on attracting internships, work experience and apprenticeships.
What is the best advice you have been given?
It’s actually in the form of a quote – “Success is not final; failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.”
Jordan Hart, Office Manager
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I have learnt so much in the 2.5 years in the industry, each day is different which is great as my role is very reactive which keeps me engaged and productive.
I am always learning on the job and taking on more roles and responsibilities when and where I can as I enjoy being involved in the business as much as I can.
Have you always worked in construction?
No my last job role was in the Maintenance industry for 3 years as a Contract Support.
Prior to this I worked as an Administrator for the Essex Police.
How did you get into construction?
I fell into the construction industry by luck, I decided I wanted a change and that wanted to move away from the Maintenance industry.
When this job presented itself it was exactly what I was looking for and looking back It was the best decision ive made.
I have worked within the construction industry for 2.5 years and thoroughly enjoyed my time at Knowles what I have achieved so far within my career.
What does a day a work look like for you?
A general day to day involves a mixture of recruitment, HR, general office duties and diary management this is just some of my duties. I have many different roles/responsibilities within the business, its something new everyday.
Are there any misconceptions about your job?
I think as a women it can be hard to build and gain respect however from my own experiences its been very positive.
I get treated as an equal and feel respected within the business.
How would you encourage more women to get into construction?
The construction industry is becoming more equal as I have seen personally more and women joining construction.
There are plenty of opportunities within this industry to learn and develop new skills if you work hard and push yourself.
