The work experience, training and insight programme has been designed to attract more women into site management roles

The Home Builders Federation (HBF) and Women into Construction have opened registration for the next cohort of women to join the Women into Home Building programme. This training scheme is aimed at attracting more women into site management roles by providing industry training and practical work placements.

Currently, women account for just 4% of existing site managers in the home building industry. The Women into Home Building programme is being delivered in partnership with 11 national home builders to help address this gender imbalance in the workforce.

Participants will gain first-hand experience of working as a site manager by taking part in a week of fully-funded online insight and development sessions with home building employers, and a two-week onsite work placement. The successful participants will also receive 1-2-1 career coaching and support from Women into Construction, an independent not-for-profit organisation that promotes gender equality in the sector.

This is the latest cohort for the Women into Home Building scheme, which launched in January 2023 and has since supported 47 women to gain site management experience and valuable networking links with employers. The next programme will start in April with applications to the programme now being accepted. Site management work placement opportunities are available across the country.

Jenny Herdman, Director for HBF’s Home Building Skills Partnership, says: Jenny Herdman, Director for HBF’s Home Building Skills Partnership, says: “Having women in onsite leadership roles expands perspectives, introduces different leadership styles and boosts creativity. The collaborative approach to developing and delivering the Women into Home Building initiative reinforces industry’s commitment to increasing the diversity of the workforce.

“Our programme has been developed to both expand awareness of the leadership careers available and routes to employment, whilst giving participants employer-backed knowledge and experience to enhance their skills and kick start their careers.”

Jacqui Wordsworth, Women into Construction's Business Development Director, says:

“With women representing just 4% of Site Managers, we are thrilled to be once again working with HBF and 11 fantastic home builders on this programme. Our collective aim is to inspire and encourage more women to take up a career in home building – helping us and our employer partners to Change the Face of Construction.”

Shelly Mclean, who joined one of the programme’s earlier cohorts, says: “The entire programme was amazing and incredibly beneficial, it was an amazing opportunity that I thoroughly enjoyed. I really wasn’t sure that I was going to gain a lot because of having no experience in construction - but I got a job!”

Women interested in taking part in the programme can attend an online information session and virtual site visit on 15 April. The deadline for applications is 1pm on Friday 12 April.

To register for the free online information event and apply for the programme, visit the Women into Construction website.

For media enquiries, or to arrange an interview, contact HBF’s communications team at media@hbf.co.uk

1. The programme is open to all women aged 18+ who have GCSE Maths and English grade 4/C or above. Travel costs and out of pocket childcare costs during placements will also be provided. Participants in the programme must also have the right to work in the UK and a valid driving licence and vehicle (dependent on site locations).
   
2. The home builder partner organisations are Barratt Developments, Bellway Homes, Cala Homes, The Hill Group, Keepmoat, Persimmon Homes, Redrow, St. Modwen and the Vistry Group; the programme offers women an opportunity to gain onsite experience and seek employment opportunities.