Two women in construction say they feel they are “breaking down barriers within the industry”, with one setting her eyes on making history.
Hollie-Jayne Bennett, Assistant Site Manager, and Rhianna Darling, Trainee Assistant Site Manager, who work at Taylor Wimpey East Anglia, both say they love the sector and the opportunities they have had to flourish.
It comes as the industry celebrates International Women’s Day on Sunday, March 8, and Women in Construction Week, which runs from March 1 to March 7.
Originally starting her career in construction as a painting and decorating apprentice, Hollie-Jayne grasped the opportunity to begin her management pathway.
Joining Taylor Wimpey as an Assistant Site Manager in August 2022, she has multiple qualifications in her field and supports the site manager with the day-to-day running of the housebuilder’s Lantern Croft development in Ely.
“I thoroughly enjoy site work and everything it entails,” she said.
“It’s rewarding to see a development progress from the early stages through to a completely new community, knowing the work that the team has put in to create homes that people are proud of.
“I do feel like I’m breaking down barriers within the industry, being a female in a leading position.
“Being a woman isn’t something that phases me about my role. Developing confidence is a process, but through hard work and gaining experience, you can strengthen your belief that you bring value to the table.
“In the next five years, I hope to become the first female site manager in the East Anglian region.”
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Having formerly been a sales coordinator and a director’s PA within the housebuilding industry, Rhianna’s entry into working on site was unconventional.
She joined Taylor Wimpey six months ago and is currently a Trainee Assistant Site Manager at Northfield View in Stowmarket.
Rhianna supports the site manager to ensure the smooth operation of the development, including coordinating with contractors and ensuring that materials are delivered and ordered on time.
She said: “I gained valuable experience within sales and as a PA, but there wasn’t much opportunity for me to progress.
“I realised after speaking with my colleagues that my coordination, organisation and management skills were transferable to a role on site.
“Curiosity combined with support from my colleagues and a willingness to step out of my comfort zone helped me transition into my current role.
“No two days are ever the same, which is something I really enjoy.
“I love being out on site, seeing the progress day by day and knowing I’ve played a part in bringing someone’s dream home to life.
“Having such a wonderful, tangible achievement paired with the happiness of a family on move-in day is so rewarding.”
International Women’s Day recognises the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, campaigning to accelerate gender equality.
Women in Construction Week seeks to shine a light on the achievements of women in the construction industry, while promoting the opportunities available for careers in the sector.
