An employee at Coalville-based developer David Wilson Homes East Midlands is marking International Women’s Day (8^th March) by sharing her journey from office to site, as this year’s theme, ‘Give To Gain’, celebrates the importance of helping women thrive.

Georgia Hession, Trainee Assistant Site Manager at Drakelow Park

After joining David Wilson Homes in April last year, Georgia, a Trainee Assistant Site Manager from Ibstock, is focused on organising and overseeing the finishes of the homes at Drakelow Park in Derbyshire. She ensures each property is completed to the required standard and supports customers in the first 20 weeks in their brand-new home.

International Women’s Day celebrates the achievements of women across all industries, and this year’s theme, ‘Give To Gain’, highlights the power of reciprocity and support. The campaign recognises that when people, organisations and communities give generously, opportunities for women increase – and when women thrive, everyone benefits.

Since starting her career at 19 in an office-based role as an Estimator and Construction Secretary, Georgia discovered a passion for the operation side of the industry.

She said: “Throughout my years in working in construction, I have found myself drawn to the problem-solving and teamwork that happens every day on site and I jumped at the opportunity to see the operational side of site management up close.

“The Trainee Assistant Site Manager role really appealed to me because it combines everything I enjoy – working with people, coordinating tasks, learning technical skills, and being part of the visible results on site. I also wanted a role where I can keep growing, challenge myself, and build a long-term career.”

Reflecting on her journey so far, Georgia says her biggest achievement has been her progression and personal development.

She added: “Moving from an administrative role into a site-based position was a huge transition, and one I worked incredibly hard to earn. I was completely new to how a construction site operates, but over time I have been building more confidence and taking on more responsibilities.

“What I’m most proud of isn’t just the job title – it’s the development behind it. A key milestone for me has been supporting the team at Drakelow Park, which achieved a prestigious Seal of Excellence award from the National House Building Council last year.”

Speaking about her experience as a woman in construction, Georgia has come to appreciate the value of diverse perspectives on site.

She continued: “Over the years, I’ve realised that being a woman gives you a slightly different perspective, and that’s helped me to grow. Some of the skills I naturally brought to the role – organisation, attention to detail, and being approachable – were genuinely valued, which gave me the confidence to think I could contribute more directly on site.”

While she acknowledges that construction has traditional been a male-dominated industry, Georgia believes that balance is improving.

“There are more women coming into technical and site-based positions and I continue to meet more and more female Assistant Site Managers, Site Managers, and apprentices.

“Seeing other women take on these roles has made the idea of progressing in my career more achievable. It shows that the industry is opening up and becoming more inclusive.

“Encouraging more women into construction is vital because the more diverse teams are, the better they work. When people with different perspectives are involved, it creates a more balanced, positive environment and helps the industry continue to grow and improve.”

Georgia feels the housebuilding sector offers strong opportunities for women, and praised David Wilson Homes in particular for the support she’s received.

She said: “My managers and colleagues have been very supportive, they are focused on helping people grow, regardless of gender. The company invests in training, mentorship, and clear development pathways, which make it easier for women to progress into roles that might have seemed less accessible in the past.

“Sometimes just seeing another woman in the role makes a big difference and when women feel included and backed by their team, they’re able to thrive.”

Offering advice to other women considering a career in construction, she added: “Have confidence in yourself and remember that you absolutely belong here. You don’t have to know everything on day one, you just need to be willing to learn, ask questions, and get involved.

“Some of the opportunities that feel the most intimidating end up being the most rewarding. Be yourself, share your perspective and strengths – they can make a real difference on a project and within a team.”

For more information about careers at David Wilson Homes, visit the website at Barratt Redrow Careers.

For further information about any developments in the area, visit the website at David Wilson Homes in Leicestershire.

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Women starting construction apprenticeships increases by two-thirds since 2018

This data comes from the Construction Industry Training Board, which is urging more women to consider a career in construction and continue the upward trend. The number of women starting construction apprenticeships has risen dramatically in recent years according to the ‘Construction Apprenticeships 2025: Challenges. Opportunities. Support’ report, which found that 1,450 women started a construction apprenticeship in 2018-19, but this has jumped to 2,420 to in 2023-24.

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Bewley Homes is championing ‘Women in Construction Week’ (2 March to 8 March) by continuing its year-round engagement program with primary schools, secondary schools, and six form colleges. The initiative aims to introduce young girls to the diverse and rewarding career opportunities available in the construction industry.

The initiative will feature school assembly talks, site visits, and work experience opportunities at Bewley’s headquarters in Tadley, offering insights into the diverse roles involved in building new homes and communities.

Bewley staff have recently visited Benson Primary School which is just a short distance from its latest new housing development in the village and talked about the wide range of roles in housebuilding including sales and marketing, ecological, interior design, customer service, commercial, technical, land, finance, HR, IT as well as the more site-based jobs.

Andrew Brooks, Managing Director of Bewley Homes, is keen the campaign reaches out to all ages. He said: “We are looking to build on from what we achieved last year with a wider remit to reach out to older children as well as younger ones whose parents or relatives might be in the industry.

“Women in Construction Week provides an ideal platform to inspire the next generation of female talent. Bewley has always recognised the importance of breaking down stereotypes and fostering an inclusive environment within the construction industry.”

Andrew added: “There is a huge variety of positions and roles that all housebuilders need and that’s the exciting message. The industry has to find a way of grabbing the attention of younger children before they decide on a different career path that might not suit them as much.

“We are now attracting female talent in all areas of our industry and it’s crucial to keep pushing out the message about the wide range of roles on offer in housebuilding. It really can be a fulfilling career for the right person – both male and female. Our campaign has been designed to help inspire a future generation of female professionals in the construction industry.”

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With the advent of Women in Construction Week, PHPD talks to Barbara Massie, Director at Kirkwood Timber Frame about her career journey, the need for women in construction and timber frame advice. 

Women in Construction Week is here (March 2nd-8th) and looks to shine a light on the stark statistics in the industry, with women making up only 14% of the construction workforce in the UK and even fewer in senior leadership positions. Yet research consistently shows that diverse teams drive innovation, improve problem-solving, and deliver better business outcomes. The construction industry, as it faces tough challenges in sustainability, housing delivery, and technological advancements, surely needs diverse perspectives more than ever.

Against this backdrop, we sat down with Barbara Massie, Director at Kirkwood Timber Frame, whose 20-year journey from trainee to director offers valuable insights into both the challenges and opportunities for women in construction. Barbara’s story isn’t just about individual success; it’s about the transformative impact diverse leadership can have on an industry traditionally dominated by men.  Here, she shared her perspectives on leadership, sustainability, and the changing face of construction.

Q: Your career path is fascinating – how did you first enter the construction industry?

A: I actually started in window and door sales, and while it wasn’t my planned career path, it opened up an unexpected world of opportunity. The company was acquired by NorDan, a Norwegian firm, and that’s where my real journey began. I spent 18 years there, working across different departments and really learning about the market, timber, and the industry as a whole. What struck me most was that I never felt like “a female in a man’s world” – just a person who could bring value to the table, working alongside fellow colleagues as an equal.

After NorDan, I moved to Travis Perkins as Trading Director, which was… a completely different experience. It showed me how company culture can really make or break the working environment, particularly when it comes to fostering success.  The real excitement came when I joined Kirkwood Timber Frame. The timing was perfect – they were ready to expand, and I saw this fantastic opportunity to help transform the English market.

Q: What’s your view on mentorship in the industry?

A: It’s absolutely crucial. I’ve been fortunate to work and collaborate with some great leaders along the way, but there were very few senior women.  One figure that did stand out to me early on, was Gillian Irvine, who was the Financial Director at NorDan.  She inspired me to learn more, be brave, and taught me invaluable lessons about growing a business, helping me to find my voice and shape my values. She showed me that both women and men are integral to a company’s success, each bringing different valuable perspectives to the table. I will always be grateful for having the opportunity to learn from Gillian.

Q: What excites you most about the industry today?

A: The constant evolution. In the last 20 years, we’ve seen significant changes – from the integration of technology to improved safety standards and faster completion times. There’s been a definite shift towards sustainability and Modern Methods of Construction (MMC). What’s particularly exciting is the more collaborative approach we’re seeing now, with housing associations, architects, and developers working together for the best end results.

Q: Why should more women get involved in the industry?

A: In a nutshell because it NEEDS more women to provide different skills and talent and a new perspective. Problem solving is key to any business and I feel women often approach a problem form a different angle – which can unlock new and innovative solutions.

We also need to collaborate, lift one another up and align ourselves with great people, We can encourage one another to succeed – men and women alike – in an otherwise challenging, aggressive and competitive sector.

Q: How can we get more women involved in the construction industry?

A: We need to stop talking only about building sites and bricks and mortar. Like any other industry, there is a varied pool of talent needed to make the sector run – including roles in finance, admin, logistics, customer service, design, technical, sales, marketing, factory, project management and so on.

If we highlight all areas, we can allow more women to view the construction as they would any other industry.  The opportunities aren’t all building site based!

Q: What advice would you give to young women considering a construction career?

A: Be hungry, be brave, be kind, and be ambitious. There’s no harm in being determined, but kindness is equally important. Learn everything you can about a company and its people. Apply for that next role, work your way through different departments, and cultivate your experience. Most importantly, don’t let anyone make you feel inferior or less capable.

Q: What does Kirkwood Timber Frame do?

A: Kirkwood Timber Frame has over 40 years of experience creating high quality timber frame products for the construction industry. It has supported and partnered with large scale housing developers, housing associations, commercial developers and self-builders on numerous projects across the whole of the UK.

Q: Why should housebuilders start building with timber frame?

A: As the Government steps up its commitment to increase the use of timber in the construction sector, there is real demand for structural timber as wider industry realises the benefits it brings.

Timber is a sustainable building material that can reduce the housebuilding industry’s carbon footprint while delivering warmer, more energy efficient homes at pace. Timber frame is best equipped to help housebuilders achieve both net zero and Government housebuilding targets.

Our precision engineered FastBuild® timber frame systems – which can be supplied fully insulated and with service cavities pre-fitted – can be erected on site in as little a day, reducing a developer’s build programme and site labour requirements, whilst achieving watertightness much sooner.

The UK has a key opportunity now, to change the face of housebuilding for the future, delivering 1.5 million homes and doing so in a way that will help us achieve net zero. The message to any housebuilders not yet utilising timber, is to not waste any more time.

Q: From an operational perspective, what is different when building with timber frame?

A: Automation has led the way to precision-engineered, high-quality products, delivered just in time to the site, ready to erect with little or no waste. The faster build improves overall project timescales and costs while reducing the need for additional skilled labour on site.

Timber frame use also allows for a more efficient use of site labour; multiple trades can work simultaneously once the roof is in place. This reduces the length of the build programme – which becomes easier to plan for – whilst also eliminating the dependency on weather.

The need to work at height is reduced significantly and less deliveries lowers traffic movements, and the impact on neighbours and the surrounding area.

Timber frame can also drive down the cost of prelims, moving projects more quickly to a cash in versus cash out position.

At a time when bricklayers are at a premium, a structural timber build enables two homes to be completed with the same brick-laying resource that one masonry house requires.

Barbara’s journey

Barbara’s journey demonstrates that construction offers rich opportunities for those willing to embrace challenges and think innovatively.  For those considering a career in construction, Barbara’s story shows that with the right mindset and determination, you can not only succeed but help shape the future of how we build our communities.

As our conversation drew to a close, Barbara emphasised how Kirkwood Timber Frame’s membership of the Structural Timber Association (STA) reflects their commitment to excellence and innovation in the sector. As an STA member, Kirkwood adheres to the STA Assure quality scheme – a rigorous benchmark for timber frame construction that demonstrates technical, professional, and commercial competency.

“Quality isn’t just about the product – it’s about the whole approach,” Barbara explains. “Through STA Assure, we’re part of a wider movement to raise standards across the industry. This dedication to quality aligns perfectly with our vision for more sustainable, efficient construction methods.”

As the construction industry continues to evolve, leaders like Barbara demonstrate how combining technical expertise with inclusive leadership can drive positive change. Through commitment to quality standards like STA Assure, and by embracing diverse perspectives at all levels, companies like Kirkwood Timber Frame are helping to build not just better homes, but a better industry for future generations.

For more information about Kirkwood Timber Frame and their commitment to quality through STA Assure, visit www.kirkwoodtimberframe.com and www.structuraltimber.co.uk/sta-assure/

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Midlands housebuilder calls for more to be done to encourage girls and women to consider a career in construction.

Sophie Horgan, director of Horgan Homes, is one of the ‘Magnificent Seven’ female leaders in construction, spearheading the I Am A Housebuilder campaign launched by the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for SME housebuilders. The campaign sees women wanting to go into construction matched with female mentors.

Sophie stressed the need to avoid a huge waste of potential talent. She adds: “By far the biggest problem we have in recruiting women is that so many are still not aware that construction is a career path that is open to them. It is still assumed that building is something that boys do, and we really need everyone to work together to change that.”

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In the property world, the role of site manager is one which is for the most part, very male-dominated. However, Olivia Riley, site manager at Lincolnshire housebuilder Chestnut Homes, is bucking that trend having worked her way up from a trainee to become the only female site manager at the business in just four years.

Olivia is responsible for Millers Walk, Chestnut Homes’ Sibsey development in Lincolnshire, where her role involves managing staff and contractors workloads, checking the quality of work on-site, as well as rigorously checking health and safety protocols are followed. She also works alongside the senior management team, to ensure it’s progressing on schedule.

Before joining, Olivia previously worked in a customer service role at Mercedes, but in 2020 she left to look for a new challenge. This led her to apply for Chestnut Homes’ trainee site manager role. But, not long into her training, the global pandemic hit, which greatly impacted businesses, including construction.

However, during that period, Olivia took the time to undergo 18 months of rigorous training, which included management courses such as the Site Management Safety Training Scheme and a week-long site management safety course. During her training, Olivia worked across six Chestnut Homes developments in Lincolnshire, gaining all the knowledge she needed for progression.

Working in a sales and customer-facing role at Mercedes provided Olivia with excellent people skills and enabled her to forge relationships easily with customers, something she carried with her to Chestnut Homes.

When discussing the importance of breaking the gender bias in the construction industry, she said: “Women are often underrepresented in this industry, however, it’s encouraging to see that Chestnut Homes have several women in leadership roles, and I’m proud to be one of them.

“As one of the only females on site, it has taken some time to learn the best way to work with contractors and staff, and people can sometimes be shocked that I am the site manager. But I’ve been lucky to not find any issues as a woman in this male-dominated role, and that’s down to the great people working at Chestnut Homes.

“To be a good site manager, you need to be organised, have great communication skills and be able to create an approachable and supportive environment. The construction industry is also currently in the midst of a mental health crisis, so I’m always committed to doing all I can to ensure I have a strong relationship with everyone on my site too, so they know they can come to me if they’re struggling with anything.”

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