THE Manchester property market is booming but what effect has this surge in demand for skilled construction workers had on the gender gap in the job market?
Workspace Design & Build site manager Stevie Jones is breaking the stereotype by becoming one of Manchester’s first female site managers.
In what has traditionally been a male dominated industry underpinned by a macho culture and after-work pints, Stevie is at the forefront of a new wave of women pursuing exciting, lucrative and rewarding careers in construction.
Since beginning her role in early 2018, Stevie 29, from Boothtown, has flourished in her new working environment and believes construction holds a treasure trove of diverse opportunities for females.
Stevie said: “I’ve found it surprising to hear people’s reactions when I explain I’m a site manager because society’s perception is still very much that it’s a ‘man’s job’.
“I think it’s really important that we bridge the gender gap and encourage more females to think about careers in construction because the industry is thriving, and women have so many suitable skills and attributes.”
According to the Construction Skills Network Forecast 2018 – 2022, more than 150,000 construction jobs are set to be created over the next five years – despite Brexit uncertainty.
As a result, construction is considered as the top sector in terms of growth in comparison to other industries, such as agriculture, production and services.
Arcadis also recently reported that Britain needs to employee 400,000 people per annum by 2021 in order to meet the country’s housing and infrastructure needs.
Stevie added “It was my managers at Workspace who really pushed me to pursue the role as a construction site manager as my strengths lie in planning and management.
“I am far better suited to a construction delivery role, rather than an office-based admin role, so why shouldn’t I pursue a career that plays to my strengths.
“To get where I needed to be, I was fully supported in completing First Aid training, the PASMA training course and the Site Management Safety Training Scheme.
“Recently I’ve been working on projects in City Tower and One New Bailey and my day on site can involve anything from administering first aid to loading vans and managing deliveries coming in. It’s very hands on and no one day is the same, which I love.
“There is so much going on in Manchester – which is really exciting for the city and the construction sector.”
Managing Director of Workspace D&B Russell Davis said: “Stevie is a core member of the team and we are incredibly proud of what she has achieved. After enjoying her time onsite during her role as a contract administration, we supported her involvement in all the relevant courses.
“As a construction company, we are committed to offering equal opportunities to all our current and future employees. We focus on their skillset and commitment!
“Stevie is proof that if you’re the right person for the job, you can do it – regardless of gender. We want to help break the stereotype of the construction industry and encourage women to be a part of it.”