Spec Finish

L ISA and Julie Cartwright , Directors at Access Panel Shop explained they have over twenty years of experience working in the construction industry, specialising in the design, manufacture, and supply of access panels. In 2021 they set up their new business, stocking and supplying access panels to construction projects of all sizes. They also continue to work on designing new access panels that are sustainable, fire rated and aim to be net zero in production. Change in thegender demographics Julie said: “In the last couple of decades, we have noticed a significant change in the gender demographics of the construction industry. We seemore andmore women on construction sites – with hard hats and all the gear – whereas notably before women were typically found in office spaces and support roles. “This is a positive change. Women are no longer confined to office jobs in construction. It is amazing to see the transition from office to onsite work, which we have also achieved. “More awareness is being generated regarding women in construction. For example, we attended the London Build Expo 2022 on 17 November, which hosted a meeting of Women in Construction featuring speakers and ambassadors from across the sector. It was amazing to see the number of women attending, which goes to show just how diverse the industry has become. “This is a necessary shift, particularly for the finishes and interiors sector. It’s thought that currently, 15% of people working in the construction industry are women 1 . While this is an improvement, according to FIS, there is currently a shortage of skilled and qualified labour for the sector. This is a gap that can be filled by female labour”. Julie concluded by saying: “Lisa and I frequently ask ourselves, why waste skilled labour and opportunities because of gender?” Still more work that needs to be done Lisa explained that work to build the industry starts with encouraging opportunities for women and young girls. She said: “Education about the industry for girls is vital – often it is a sector that is overlooked in favour of service sector jobs that have always been held by women in the past. Now more than ever, it is vital to show girls that a career in construction is possible for them. After all, it worked for us! “Investment for women in construction is also still low. There needs to be a change in the way funds are distributed, as neglecting an able workforce based on gender is missing a huge opportunity. Furthermore, looking at the way women in construction are perceived by others is an important step toward easing the transition. We encountered other business owners and leaders (female and male) who assumed we work in the beauty industry! Curbing these assumptions about women in construction is another important step we must take to provide more diverse career opportunities for women”. www.accesspanel.shop Amy Hough , Marketing Director at Workplace Interiors Company, tells us about constructing a diverse workforce. Amy explained that Workplace Interiors Company is a dynamic group of brands within the construction industry, specialising in commercial interiors. Their focus is to help create engaging workplaces with end-to-end solutions such as design and build, supply and fit, and nationwide e-commerce services. It is a family-run business and the staff are an extension of that. Thanks to their fantastic team, Workplace Interiors Company received a Great Place toWork™ certification. This award is based on employee satisfaction and celebrates the company’s culture, including its values in gender equality. As it stands, their workforce is currently 55% female and 45%male, spread across multiple departments. Women at Workplace Interiors Company Amy said: “With a predominantly female workforce, we recognise the prejudices that women face in the industry. To support our team, we offer equal opportunities to every employee, regardless of gender”. Amy tasked Ali Townsend, Content Writer at Workplace Interiors Company to talk to her female colleagues about their experiences within this industry. Feature Although the outlook is positive about the future of women in construction, there is still more work that needs to be done. Two FIS members and the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) share with us how they are encouraging women to join the sector and how they support and inspire them to flourish, and stay in the industry. 18 www.thefis.org FULL DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION - WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION L-R Lisa and Julie Cartwright, Directors at Access Panel Shop L-R JayneMason, Health, Safety and Compliance Manager and Amy Hough, Marketing Director atWorkplace Interiors Company