Changing the face of the built environment for women

The construction industry has remained unchanged for far too long. It is still one of the least diverse sectors in the UK, and that must change, writes Renee Preston, founder of Construction for Women.

Women make up only 14% of the construction workforce, and on-site, the figure drops to a shocking 1%. We constantly talk about skills shortages, yet we fail to tap into half of the population’s potential. This is exactly why I founded Construction for Women or CFW — to open the industry’s doors to women and underrepresented groups, ensuring that we fill the skills gap in a way that is inclusive, progressive, and sustainable.

Leading by example: real change starts on site

I firmly believe that if we want change, we have to lead from the front. At Gallaway Construction, where I am operations director, , you’ll find students gaining hands-on experience, from undergraduates and graduates on structured training programmes, to TLevel students, apprentices, and work experience placements. It’s about creating a pipeline of talent that sees, experiences, and believes that construction is a place where they belong.

This year, I am taking 100 female students to UKREiiF, because inspiration starts with exposure. These young women will have the opportunity to meet industry leaders, gain mentoring, and see first-hand what this industry can be for them. This isn’t just about one event — it’s about sustained engagement, breaking down barriers, and making sure they have real opportunities to enter and thrive in the sector. If we want to change perceptions, we have to be present, visible, and actively supporting those who will become the future of our industry.

Real-world case study section here?

The Construction for Women impact so far

Since launching, Construction for Women has:

• Given more than 400 girls a taster day in construction, showcasing the vast career opportunities within the built environment
• Established a network of 57 mentors, pairing industry professionals with women starting out in the field
• Secured partnerships with tier one contractors, ensuring guaranteed work placements upon completion of a 12-week training programme
• Secured three dedicated training sites, providing accessible, structured routes into construction careers
• Developed a 12-week comprehensive training programme, covering:

• • Level two retrofit skills to meet the demand for green construction expertise
  • CSCS certification for site safety and compliance
  • Level one multi-skills qualification covering core construction competencies
  • Soft skills workshops to develop confidence and resilience
  • On-site experience, ensuring participants are work-ready from day one.

This is more than a programme—it’s an industry movement

CFW is not just about training, it’s about changing the industry’s culture. Women entering construction often face structural barriers, from a lack of role models to inflexible working conditions that fail to accommodate caregivers. We are actively challenging these issues, creating real opportunities for women while driving long-term industry reform.

We must stop treating diversity as an afterthought or a tick-box exercise. A diverse workforce isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s essential for the future of the industry. Studies show that businesses with diverse teams outperform their competitors, with greater innovation, problem-solving capacity, and financial success. If we truly want to build an industry that serves society, we must ensure that it reflects society.

How the industry can support this change

Construction for Women has already proved that when we remove barriers, talent thrives. But we need the industry’s continued support to scale up our impact. We are actively seeking:

• Funding to expand training sites, making it easier for women to access opportunities nationwide
• Industry partnerships to provide work placements, apprenticeships, and employment opportunities
• Mentors and advocates to guide and support new entrants into the sector
• Backing for our training model, so we can work with policymakers to embed long-term solutions for the skills shortage.

Be part of the future of construction

Construction for Women is not a side initiative, it’s the future of our industry. We need leaders, businesses, and decision-makers to step up and be part of this movement.

If you are a company that values talent and wants to invest in the workforce of the future, an industry professional who can mentor, or an organisation that shares our vision, we want to hear from you.

Together, we will build a construction industry that is truly inclusive, representative, and fit for women and the future.

• Renee Preston is founder of Construction for Women