Creating opportunities for women in construction
Construction is for everyone. While the industry has traditionally been male dominated, we are pleased to see it becoming more inclusive. Over the last decade, more young women have taken up construction apprenticeships and trade courses, and while choosing a career is a personal decision, it’s important that young women are made aware of the opportunities available to them. That’s why early education, career days, and industry visibility are so crucial!
Why construction needs women
Construction is a fast-paced, innovative industry with a growing demand for skilled workers. Women bring fresh ideas, leadership, and problem-solving skills that enhance teamwork, drive progress, and strengthen the sector. A more diverse workforce leads to safer, more dynamic workplaces, benefiting everyone.
Opportunities for women in construction
The construction industry offers a wide range of career paths, including:
- Skilled trades – Hands-on careers such as plumbing, carpentry, electrical work, bricklaying, plastering, and roofing
- Engineering & design – Civil, structural, and architectural roles shaping the built environment
- Project management – Leading construction projects from start to finish
- Health & safety – Ensuring safe and compliant working conditions
- Surveying & planning – Urban planning, cost estimation, and land surveying
- Sustainability – Developing greener, more efficient building methods
Women in Construction: Real stories
Many young women are already thriving in construction, proving that the industry is a great place to build a career.
Leia Bovett, an apprentice at Morgan Construction Wales – one of our members – discovered her passion for construction in school through Product Design and Engineering. After exploring her options at a college open day, she pursued civil engineering, and now, at seventeen, she is gaining valuable experience both on-site and in office settings.
Daniella joined the Cyfle Building Skills Shared Apprenticeship Scheme in 2021, specialising in carpentry. Through her placement at with our member TAD Builders Ltd, she gained hands-on experience, built confidence, and developed the skills needed for a successful career in the industry.
Progress and looking toward the future
Many of our member companies already have accomplished and skilled women in key roles, proving that construction is a place where women can build successful careers. At CCTAL, we are proud to have a team of talented women supporting our members, apprentices, and the wider industry.
However, construction is still very much male-dominated – we must keep encouraging young women to see construction as a viable and exciting career path. This starts in schools, through career education and industry engagement, ensuring young women have the information they need to make informed decisions about their futures.
This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the incredible women already making an impact in construction and encourage more to follow in their footsteps.