Women in Construction 2024 Q&A with Julie Gibbons
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 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.
Julie Gibbons is the Senior Project Manager within the Adey Steel Rail Division. A mother of one, there is little that Julie doesn’t know when it comes to bossed piles, footbridges, OLE, signalling or track systems – basically anything to do with rail infrastructure in the UK.
Why did you choose a career in construction?
I didn’t actually choose a career in construction. I started my working life in hospitality but when an opportunity came up to sell steel, I knew I found my niche and have stayed in steel in one way or another ever since.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
The people! I am a real people person, so I really enjoy building up strong, lasting relationships with clients and colleagues. I also enjoy pressure. I head up our Rail Division and things can change last minute so being able to rise to these changes, often with very short lead times, can be a challenge but one I thrive on.
What are the biggest challenges of being a woman in construction?
I haven’t really experienced any challenges if I am honest. The only thing I would say is that I feel there is more pressure as a woman to know exactly what you are talking about and to always have the answer there and then. I’m not exactly sure why but you feel that when you need to question yourself to make sure what you are advising is correct can almost feel like a weakness even though it’s definitely not.
Have you ever experienced inequality at work and if so, how did you overcome it?
I haven’t experienced any inequality at all. I’ve always been treated as an equal by men and women alike.
What advice would offer other women considering a career in construction?
Just go for it! Construction is such a diverse industry with so many different opportunities these days. I have a teenage daughter and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend construction to her as a career choice!
