Break the Bias : International Women’s Day 2022 

8/3/22: TClarke is marking International Women’s Day and highlighting the need to support women across the construction industry. Business Development Manager Laura-Beth Massey-Caines, who has led this project, explains what needs to happen

Laura-Beth Massey-Caines :  Business Development Manager

I think that as women in the construction industry, we need to raise the profile of existing female employees as this helps encourage others. If you are lucky enough to have a job that you enjoy, the absolute best thing you can do is tell other people, we naturally want to find role models for ourselves and in doing so we can help make women aware of the many opportunities available to them. So spread the word about the women that are working with you, to show that women are just as capable of having successful careers within construction as in any other sector. Women supporting women is brilliant, but we need men to get involved too. TClarke have shown me respect and support and I feel valued by the team, which has encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and take on challenges I would have avoided in the past.

Roz Gregory : Pre-Construction Assistant

“It’s extremely positive to see the increase of women working within construction, not just in the office-based roles, but in trade roles on site.   

When I was new to the industry back in 2017, I felt optimistic although nervous.  Walking into a male dominated environment can be scary, however I was welcomed and accepted as part of the team – It wasn’t as bad as I thought!  I have grown personally and professionally within the industry, and it offers many areas of specialisms with a range of skill sets – It can be for anyone!”

Emma Coverdale : Business Development Manager

Through my 18 years in this industry things have definitely changed for the better for women in construction. However more still needs to happen so women don’t feel undervalued or held back and to #BreakTheBias. That’s why it’s important we mark #IWD2022, acknowledge what it means and support each other. I like the following quotes which sum up my thoughts more eloquently and succinctly than I can!

“You can always tell who the strong women are. They are the ones you see building one another up instead of tearing each other down.” – Unknown

“You have just one life to live. It is yours. Own it, claim it, live it, do the best you can with it.” ‒ Hillary Clinton

“She believed she could, so she did.” – Unknown

Charlotte Hayward : Document Controller

I don’t think young women know how many opportunities there are in construction,  those roles that are seen as predominately  male  can be done just as well by women, but the idea of construction as being a man’s industry has to change.  There is an enormous range of specialist disciplines and roles within construction we need to be more vocal about highlighting the work of our female employees and making sure that staff at all levels of the business to recognise the importance and value of gender diversity.

Elouise Burnett : Workshop Commercial Manager

Let’s collaborate in Construction. Yes, being a female in a male dominated industry can be daunting, know together we can achieve anything. And breaking down barriers and helping others is truly important.

I have survived and thrived within this industry through having exceptional colleagues and team support. Working together and creating environments for success for both men and women.

I have seen female electricians, plumbers, and apprentices throughout my career and with the support I see and have at TClarke along with individual’s determination and passion, we can succeed.

Ok it’s challenging, but it’s exiting, it’s also fast paced but it’s supportive. And Working in Construction has by far been my most rewarding career.

You don’t have to be a female site engineer. We need to call out to fellow females that the face of Construction isn’t just what you see on the ground with hi viz, hats and goggles, look behind and you will see the array of opportunities waiting for you inside.  From surveying, finance, administration, HR, leadership and much more.

Megan Hemming : Document Controller

As a Senior Document Controller for TClarke London I am proud of my position and only want to continue pursuing my goals to progress further in the company.

In my role I am able to reach out to other women and help them to gain confidence and skills to work in construction and to climb the construction industry ladder.

I want to inspire other women to pursue and achieve their ambition of working construction.

Elizabeth McKean : Health and Safety Assistant

I have been working in construction for three years for TClarke as an Health & Safety Administrator. TClarke have helped me progress my career by recently passing my NEBOSH Construction Certificate, with the help of my team this has meant I can start generating H&S Inspection Reports and undertaking Audits on site, which is something I would have never felt capable of three years ago. I think there is still a lack of women in the construction industry, but it’s just a matter of supporting and encouraging women to start these types of careers.

Vicki Knight : QA & HR Manager

We have a strong female workforce at TClarke, not only in our offices but operationally on our sites. It is important for us to raise the profile of women in the construction industry as there are many diverse roles and career opportunities that are often overlooked, being thought of as ‘male’ roles. We want to break down those barriers, encourage more women into the industry, and make construction a career choice.

Rio Main : Assistant Quantity Surveyor – M&E Commercial

The number of women in construction has grown in recent years, helping to break down the stereotype that construction is a ‘man’s world’, yet it has not gone completely. Working in construction is a rewarding job, with large variety and every day is different. The construction industry is so diverse and there is something for everyone. I began my career in construction working in administration before progressing as a professional, undertaking a BSc (Hons) in Quantity Surveying, with experience in project management and quantity surveying.

I am now an Assistant QS for TClarke working on a number of jobs in the Healthcare sector in the South West.  

Bryony Nott : Assistant Surveyor

Starting in a pre-construction support role, I am now an assistant quantity surveyor,  TClarke have always supported my aspiration to build a career in the construction industry. Whilst there are many women working in construction, there could be many more! It can be daunting working in a male dominant industry but the team offers great support and it is rewarding role to be in. It is important that we encourage more women to join the industry and to any women considering a career in construction I would say I love working in construction, no day is the same.