An Essex trainee assistant site manager said she believes the opportunities for women in construction are ‘endless’ and has called on more to consider careers in the sector.
Amelia Coker, 23, has joined the team at Barratt Homes’ Languard View development in Dovercourt – following in the footsteps of her father and grandfather who also worked in the new-build housing sector.
Seeing them in action inspired her to take on a work experience placement in the sector, before completing a degree in Property Development and Planning at Nottingham Trent University.
Speaking to mark International Women’s Day, she said: “Both my grandfather and father worked in the housebuilding industry, so I was exposed to the sector from a young age.
“This led me to explore it further through work experience, and I quickly realised it was the industry I wanted to join.
“My studying then opened the door for me to join Barratt Homes through the ASPIRE Programme.”
Amelia’s role sees her gain hands-on experience in managing build programmes, coordinating subcontractors and ensuring the site team adheres to health and safety regulations.
She added: “If you had asked me five years ago where I’d be now, I never would have guessed a Trainee Assistant Site Manager, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.
“This is everything that I wanted from a job, my passion is in construction and the daily challenges that it brings.”
This year’s International Women’s Day theme, #AccelerateAction, highlights the urgency of breaking down barriers and biases that prevent women from advancing in their careers.
While Amelia acknowledges that construction is still seen as a male-dominated industry, she believes progress is being made.
Amelia said: “I believe the best way for the industry to accelerate action is through education and opportunities.
“It is important to educate women, and young people in general regardless of gender or background, on the benefits of the construction industry to give them a real insight and understanding of what it is really like.
“It’s also crucial to create more entry-level roles and clear pathways for women to progress into leadership positions.
“The number of women in the industry has definitely increased. In the past, women typically entered roles in departments like sales or surveying, but now we’re seeing more women stepping into traditionally male-dominated positions, such as site management.
“It’s easy for young women to assume construction is only for men, but the reality is that women play an equally vital role in the industry.
“Anyone can succeed in this industry with the right mindset. If you’re willing to learn, put in the work, and take care of yourself both physically and mentally, the opportunities are endless.”