Women in Construction 2024 Q&A with Charlotte Huband
Women now make up a higher proportion of the construction workforce in the UK than at any time since official records began.
According to Office for National Statistics (ONS) the number of women in construction stands at 15.8 per cent, up 3 per cent before the pandemic.
However, a lot more still needs to be done to overcome inequality within the industry, considering that women make up 47.6% of the overall UK workforce.
To celebrate Women in Construction Week 2024, Adey Steel talks to a number of women within the company about their experiences of working in the construction industry.
Charlotte Huband is the Adey Steel Group HSE Manager. A relatively new addition to the team, Charlotte is responsible for the overall management of Health, Safety and the Environment for both Adey Steel and sister company Adey SteelShop.
Why did you choose a career in construction?
I’ve always worked in Health & Safety and for me construction presents one of the biggest challenges in terms of risk management. The risks are considerable and impact of something going wrong can be catastrophic so the thought of being part of preventing this happening to anyone is rewarding to me.
Plus, the job is different day to day and the projects change meaning there is not one solution for everything, I like that construction keeps me on my toes and actively working with the teams to find best practice for safety on our sites.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
The dynamic nature of construction is my favourite part. I like being on site and involved with what’s going on to find the best solutions.
What are the biggest challenges of being a woman in construction?
Women can often be subject to lack of support or respect from their male counterparts as some may have a preconception so therefore you sometimes have to work harder to gain someone’s respect. Also, site toilets. The women’s toilets are sometimes used as a store cupboard – which is not a good look ??
And how have you overcome these challenges?
Be resilient and keep being you, be your authentic self and you will gain respect even if it may take a little longer!
Have you ever experienced inequality at work and if so, how did you overcome it?
Yes! Speak up as some people don’t always recognise what they are saying or doing!
How has the industry changed since you started?
The toilets gradually have got better at most sites if you can find who has the key! More women are seen on construction sites and in leadership roles within construction which I think brings a different dynamic to the industry.
What have you learned from being a woman in the construction industry?
Confidence is key! If you doubt yourself then people will doubt you! And always collaborate with people as much as you can in different scenarios to develop your knowledge.
What advice would offer other women considering a career in construction?
Go for it! Challenge yourself and don’t see yourself as any different from anyone else.
