Celebrating International Women's Day 

Willmott Dixon is marking this year’s International Women’s Day on 8 March with a new initiative to increase the number of women on its sites working in the seven trades of M&E, drylining, façades (cladding and brickwork), framework, groundwork, carpentry and roofing.

Called the 1% Initiative, it sees the company team up with supply chain partners from these key areas to increase the proportion of women from trades on Willmott Dixon’s projects.

It comes after the company’s analysis found that less than one percent of the supply chain workforce from the main trades on its sites are women.

Increasing that proportion by one percent each year will see a step change in numbers, with an increase of 86 women targeted for 2025, followed by similar percentage rises year-on-year. It comes as industry figures show that ​while women make up around 15% of the construction workforce, approximately 340,000 in total, representation in trades is just 1%.

We hear from four women forging a successful career working for our supply chain partners

Anjali Pindoria is a senior projects surveyor at Avi Contracts Ltd

Tell us about your journey into construction?

The built environment, particularly carpentry, was introduced to me at a young age when I would help my dad with take-offs from drawings and type up site instructions as a way to spend time with him while he worked on weekends. Although school expectations initially led me toward a career in accounting, I soon realised my passion for construction was far greater. This led me to take on a role as a trainee surveyor at Avi Contracts where I would study on a part-time day release basis. Now 13 years later and I am a senior projects surveyor.

What do you enjoy most about working in construction?

Our buildings leave behind a legacy that will outlast us. Seeing end-users using these spaces while I walk past completed projects brings to life the true impact of our work and reinforces the importance of adding value beyond the construction itself. Understanding the end-user on every project, be it health care or education, makes the project challenges even more rewarding to overcome.

What are the biggest challenges in encouraging more women into trade roles?

With a lack of representation, there are few visible role models, making it harder for women to see themselves pursuing similar careers. There are misconceptions and a lack of education surrounding women in trade roles.

How can the industry better support and attract women into a trade role?

Provide incentives through schemes to support the self-employed workforce. Organise outreach days or sessions where they can engage directly with the next generation, share their experiences, and promote the industry. This helps to ease the financial burden and allows us to support the self-employed workforce whilst also attracting talent into our industry.

Emily Latham is an apprentice electrician at Wadys Electrical Ltd

Tell us about your journey into construction?

I left school and wanted to follow my dad who works in construction. I looked at all the trades that were available and thought becoming an electrician most suited me, and would become a career that I would be interested in. I talked to my careers adviser at school and they said to contact Bedford College to start an Electrical Installation Level 2 Course. I ensured I had all the correct GCSES and applied. I started to study Electrical Installation Level 2 in 2022 and while on the course my careers adviser helped me find an apprenticeship at Wadys, who are now supporting me as I study an Electrical Installation Level 3 Diploma.

What do you enjoy most about working in construction?

Every day is a different day. I’m always learning and completing new challenges, travelling to different places and meeting so many people. I’d say working with professional organisations and seeing a project from the start all the way to the finish makes me feel proud of all the work we have achieved.

What are the biggest challenges in encouraging more women into trade roles?

The biggest challenge in encouraging more women into construction is that there are not many women peers to look up too.

How can the industry better support and attract women into a trade role?

The industry needs to increase awareness of what roles are available, maybe through attending careers evenings in schools and colleges or speaking to teachers to encourage them to raise awareness. We also need to highlight successful female tradespeople.

Scarlett Salt is a project manager & sustainability lead at William Haley Engineering

Tell us about your journey into construction?

My journey into construction is an unconventional one! Before joining William Haley Engineering, I had no experience in construction but after 12 years as a primary school teacher, I wanted a change in direction. From a busy and challenging career in education, I knew I had the people and organisational skills to project manage. I applied for the role at William Haley Engineering and am learning every day. I am well supported in my role, which allows me to learn the vast number of skills and technical information I need to equip me as a fully independent project manager.

What do you enjoy most about working in construction?

What I enjoy most about the role of project management in the construction industry is the client-facing part of my role. I can put my communication skills into practice, and I enjoy forming relationships and contributing to whole-team success. I also love going to site to see the progress of the jobs I am managing and to learn first-hand how things work or why things didn’t work in that instance.

What are the biggest challenges in encouraging more women into trade roles?

The biggest challenges include how to present these sorts of roles as exciting and engaging to women and how to ensure the industry doesn’t feel antiquated and unwelcoming towards women.

How can the industry better support and attract women into a trade role?

I think the key to encouraging women into roles across the supply chain is to inspire girls from a young age into STEM related subjects. I also think an important factor is to make the wide range of roles available in the construction industry clearer from the outset. I think some women still see construction as male-orientated, even though there are a vast number of different roles, requiring different skills.

Roxy Weller is a Contracts Manager at JG Bricklaying

Tell us about your journey into construction?

I started my career with a carpentry apprenticeship, gaining hands-on experience before moving into management. At Willmott Dixon, I worked as an Assistant Building Manager, delivering major projects like the IAERO Innovation Centre and the Halo Development. Now, as a Contracts Manager at JG Bricklaying LTD, I oversee multiple projects across the Southwest, with a strong focus on passive fire protection and FIRAS accreditation, ensuring high standards of compliance, quality, and safety in construction.

What do you enjoy most about working in construction?

Construction is incredibly dynamic—no two days are the same. I enjoy the challenge of problem-solving on-site and watching projects come to life, from initial concept to final completion. The diverse range of people I get to work with also makes every day unique. However, what excites me most is driving positive change within the industry, especially in areas like equality, diversity, and innovation, ensuring the sector evolves to meet the needs of the future.

What are the biggest challenges in encouraging more women into trade roles?

One of the biggest challenges in construction is breaking stereotypes—there’s still a perception that trade roles are ‘man jobs’. Visibility is another barrier; many women don’t see others like them in these roles, making it difficult to envision themselves in the industry.

How can the industry better support and attract women into a trade role?

To create change, we need stronger role models and mentorship programs that show women there’s a place for them in construction. Schools and apprenticeship providers should actively promote trade careers to young girls, making construction a viable, attractive option from an early age. Companies must also improve site conditions by ensuring facilities and PPE are suitable for all workers. Additionally, inclusive hiring practices, structured recruitment, training, and career development pathways are key to fostering a diverse workforce.