Women in Construction Anglia has hosted an event at the House of Commons – taking its message for a more inclusive construction sector to those in power.
Building Better Futures, at the Thames Pavilion, attracted MPs and ministers, along with a host of construction and business leaders from across the region, to showcase the opportunities for women to enter the industry.
The event was in partnership with Constructed Pathways – an organisation that supports female prisoners into construction training, providing opportunities for employment after release alongside Eastern Education Group and Vantage Construction Group.
Clare Friel, founder of Women in Construction Anglia, said: “The construction sector is a key driver of the UK economy but faces huge challenges growing the skilled workforce it needs.
“Although there has been some progress over the years, women are still hugely under-represented across the sector.
“There’s a wealth of female talent and potential just waiting to be tapped into, and events like this that bring industry leaders and those in power together are crucial to moving the industry forward.”
Among those attending were Justice Minister Jake Richards, Chair of the Housing, Communities and Local Government Select Committee Florence Eshalomi MP, and MPs Tan Dhesi, Amanda Hack, Jim Dickson, Rachel Hopkins and Jack Abbott.
Mr Abbott, MP for Ipswich, who had invited WICA to the House of Commons said: “In a short period of time, Clare and her team have created a supportive, inclusive space that really does make a difference, attracting women into the industry across the East of England and helping build a network where women can thrive.
“The UK construction sector employs more than 2.2 million people, but women still make up only around 15% of the overall workforce. We have seen progress, but it’s still far too low for a sector that needs all hands on deck.
“The Government’s investment in Sizewell C and Suffolk’s new Construction Technical Excellence College are real statements of intent, but there is much more work ahead of us to ensure that everyone, irrespective of gender or background, can access these opportunities.”
Justice Minister Jake Richards, who also took to the stage, said it was inspiring to hear of the work of Constructed Pathways, and met with two former prisoners who were now working in the sector.
He said: “It’s inspiring to come to events like this where you have organisations from across the country doing incredible work changing people’s lives every day, giving them opportunities they wouldn’t have had a decade or two ago.”
The event also gave a platform to Renee Preston, from Construction for Women, as she launched a proposed national site standard for women in construction.
For more information on Women in Construction Anglia, and news on upcoming events, see womeninconstructionanglia.com