This week is Women in Construction week, and at Shropshire Homes we are proud that 35% of our workforce are women, compared to the UK industry average of 15% (based on Lighthouse’s findings).
To celebrate, we talked to four of our wonderful women who work in various job roles across the company and asked them five questions about working in the construction industry.
Meet Katherine, our Buying Manager…
- When did you move into the construction industy?
“I moved into the industry when I finished college, having seen an advert for a management trainee scheme at Travis Perkins, a builder’s merchant, where I could also complete a degree in Business Management alongside."
- What industries have you previously worked in?
“None really, I had cleaning jobs, and a bar job at the local pub whilst at college, the job in the car garage was only a few months.”
- Why did you join the construction industry?
“A fluke really, as already mentioned, but I found it really interesting and wanted to continue.”
- What roles have you worked in within the construction industry?
“Travis Perkins - Assistant branch manager, Shropshire Homes - Ground and Structure Buyer, Finishes Buyer, Buyer, and Buying Manager.”
- What do you like about working in the construction industry?
“The variety of work, very interesting, ever changing, the satisfaction and visibility from the end result. I particularly like the conversions, bringing the old back to life.”
Meet Helen, our Sales and Marketing Director…
- When did you move into the construction Industry?
“I moved into construction initially in 2014”
- Which industries have you previously worked in?
“I previously worked in the electronics industry as an Office Manager, although my undergraduate degree was in Law”.
- Why did you join the construction industry?
“I wanted a new challenge and the opportunity arose”.
- What roles have you worked in within the construction industry?
“Starting as a Sales Executive at Persimmon Homes, I then moved over to Shropshire Homes and have worked as a Sales Executive, Field Sales Manager, Sales Manager, Head of Sales & Marketing and Sales & Marketing Director.
“I also completed my master’s in business administration during my time in the roles of Sales Manager and Head of Sales & Marketing. Interestingly, my dissertation was based on Women in Construction.”
- What do you like about working in the construction industry?
“Every day brings a new challenge, and it is a diverse environment to work in where females are now challenging the traditional gender roles in construction. The team at Shropshire Homes are wonderful and it is a great company to work for.
“The management team allowed me to grow and develop in my role, through hands on experience to studying and gaining my master’s degree, I worked my way from the bottom to the top and I am now the first female director.”
Meet Pam, our Agreements & Services Manager…
- When did you move into the construction Industry?
“My construction journey originally started at Travis Perkins as sales and admin to the construction industry as well as general public.”
- Which industries have you previously worked in?
“Caring and manufacturing”.
- Why did you join the construction industry?
“I wanted a change in Career when being made redundant from the firm I was with in the manufacturing sector.”
- What roles have you worked in within the construction industry?
“I’ve worked in buying and now technical”.
- What do you like about working in the construction industry?
“Variety in the job and problem solving. I enjoy being involved with the progress of the sites from start to finish.”
Meet Jess, our Trainee Services & Agreements Coordinator…
- When did you move into the construction Industry?
“I moved in November 2024 when I joined Shropshire Homes”.
- Which industries have you previously worked in?
“My previous role was within the motor trade, and prior to that I worked as an Estate Agent.”
- Why did you join the construction industry?
“I joined the construction industry due to the opportunities it creates for expanding my knowledge, and learning new skills, whilst gaining further qualifications.”
- What roles have you worked in within the construction industry?
“Being my first role in the industry, I have only worked within the services department within Shropshire Homes.”
- What do you like about working in the construction industry?
“I like the job variety of working in the office and out on-site meeting different contractors. Having previously worked as an estate agent, it is interesting to see the construction side of developments.”
A huge thank you to you all for answering the questions, and thank you to all the wonderful women who work at Shropshire Homes!