This week, 6th-12th March 2023, is Women in Construction Week. An initiative that was set up by the National Association of Women in Construction to promote support, networking and celebration of all the female workers within the construction industry.
At International Plant Sales, we want to take this week as an opportunity to not only celebrate women, but also to look at the obstacles that women face within this industry.
WHY IS THERE IS A LACK OF WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION?
It’s a well known fact that the construction industry is male dominated, but did you know just how much? It’s reported that in the UK, only 13% of the construction industry is made up of women. With the current skills shortage that the industry is facing, there’s definitely room for more women in construction. So why aren’t there more?
A big part of the issue could be traced back to school. With less girls being encouraged to take up courses surrounding hands-on construction work. Many of the women who work in construction today say that they discovered it later in life or due to their family background. As opposed to having the choice given to them at school in the same way that boys have been encouraged.
Another contributing factor could be anxiety around entering a male dominated sector. After seeing headlines in the news about cases of abuse and harassment towards women in everyday life, you can understand why this could be a worry for women when considering a career in construction. As well as the fear of not being taken seriously by their male colleagues.
We think a lot of the views surrounding the construction industry are pretty outdated. With attitudes towards gender roles changing and education in schools becoming more inclusive, we think women will become more open to construction work in the future. We’ve also seen women currently working in construction reassuring those thinking of joining the industry that they’ve found fellow male workers to be very supportive.
WHY DO WE NEED MORE WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION?
There are so many benefits to having more women working on construction sites. One of those benefits is that bringing some diversity to a team is great for introducing new ways of thinking and working, which could help with completing jobs more efficiently.
We need more women in construction to help challenge gender inequality. The more we see women on construction sites, the more normal it will become. Opening doors for women that have previously felt like this was a no go zone for them. Which in turn will reduce the need for discussions like this.
In a previous blog about mental health within the construction industry, we discussed how an increase in female workers on site could help. As more women choosing to work in construction would help with the skills shortage, reducing the strain on those currently working harder to fill the gaps. As well as helping to get rid of the stigma of men discussing their mental health and seeming weak in a male dominated space.
THE LIFE OF A FEMALE MACHINE OPERATOR
One of the roles within construction that seems to be lacking women more than others is that of machine operator.
Machine operators focus on operating and assisting with the maintenance of heavy machinery. There is such a wide range of plant machinery being used in the industry, from mini diggers to huge cranes. With the right training, you could find yourself using a different machine every week.
There are women that have been fulfilling and bossing this role for years, proving girls can do it just as well as the boys. An example includes Aimee Pooley, who talks about the range of jobs she’s been able to complete and how she loves the variety. There’s also Katie Kelleher, a crane operator who talks publicly to motivate women to work in construction.
BECOME A WOMAN IN CONSTRUCTION WITH DIGGERLAND PLANT TRAINING SCHOOL
If you’re a woman looking to work on the construction site or extend your skill set within the industry, check out the Diggerland Plant Training School. The Training School offers an extensive range of courses that’ll help you succeed in your career in construction. Whether you’re looking to become a Site Supervisor, telehandler operator, or to brush up on your safety awareness, they cover it all. All of the Diggerland Plant Training School courses are NPORS accredited and approved.
CELEBRATING THE WOMEN OF INTERNATIONAL PLANT SALES
It wouldn’t be right to talk about celebrating women in construction without mentioning our team here at IPS.
Our sales and marketing teams are made up of both men and women who are treated as equals. All of whom have the skills, knowledge and experience to confidently sell used construction machinery to the global market. IPS is also part of the wider H. E. SERVICES Group Ltd, in which these same equality ethics also apply.
USED CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY AT IPS
If you’re in the market to buy great quality used construction machinery, you’re in the right place. International Plant Sales are specialists when it comes to selling heavy machinery to the global market.
Our current stocklist includes:
- Komatsu PC26 MR-3 Mini Diggers
- Manitou MT625 Telehandler
- Komatsu PC138 US-11 Tracked Excavators
- Plus more which you can view here
If you have any questions or require more information on any of our machines, please don’t hesitate to get in touch!
Information correct as of 21/03/23
