The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) has celebrated the role that women play in the construction industry as Women in Construction Week and International Women's Day takes place.

CEF has spoken to some of the women across Northern Ireland who work in the construction industry to hear about their careers to date and any advice for those who are considering a career in construction.

Nuala Griffiths is a Environmental Social Governance Manager (ESG) at Heron Bros, she said:

"As an ESG Manager at Heron Bros, I am deeply passionate about our role in making a lasting positive impact on the environment, society, and the economy. But what really inspires me is the creativity, practicality and teamwork that defines the construction process.

"It is an incredibly rewarding experience to see how our collaborative efforts transform ideas into tangible structures that benefit communities. I am also a board member of organisations such as WOMEN’STEC and NIRN which allows me to advocate for diversity and sustainability in the industry I love.

"Through these roles, I've had the privilege of supporting women’s career paths in construction and promoting sustainable practices that align with both my values and those of Heron Bros.

"I am proud to be a woman in construction and would definitely recommend the industry to others. It’s a field packed with opportunities to grow and make a real difference within our communities."

Emma Donaghy a Civils Site Manager at GEDA Construction said:

"I joined GEDA Construction as a placement student during the third year of my Civil Engineering degree and have been in the industry since, almost 7 years. I joined the construction industry to avoid the restrictions of working within the boundaries of 4 walls. The industry is continually building and evolving, using modern and more sustainable approaches to bring designs to life. The opportunities are endless, with everyday presenting a new challenge, there are no two days the same.

"Deciding to work in an industry where women are heavily underrepresented felt daunting, but has been more rewarding than I could ever have imagined. GEDA have supported me through every step of my career, where I have worked with great mentors, who push me to develop and challenge myself every day. I have a strong support network, where gender is respected, allowing me to fulfil my career ambitions within the industry.

"I would encourage any women considering a career in construction to without a doubt, join the industry. Every aspect of construction requires a team effort, inclusive of everyone, regardless of gender. Women are just as capable as men are, together there are better opportunities for all."

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Charlene Millen, Head of Sustainability at McAleer & Rushe commented:

"I have been working in the Construction industry for over 15 years, having started with McAleer & Rushe as an Environmental & Quality Manager and progressing to Head of Sustainability.

"I would definitely encourage other females to enter the Construction industry, there are a wide variety of roles with real career progression opportunities, and it is exciting to work in a fast-paced environment where you are supported and encouraged to progress. I currently lead a Sustainability team within McAleer & Rushe and my role is extremely varied, from developing new Sustainability strategies to implementing new initiatives on our Construction sites.

"Within the industry and through working with the CEF I have met a great network of other females working within Sustainability who are a great support!"

Ursula Quinn, a Graduate Project Manager at Aecom stated:

"I graduated with a BSc Hons Degree in Construction Engineering & Management from Ulster University in July 2023. During a 16-month placement at Geda Construction, I spent 8 months as a site engineer and another 8 months in the QS department as a buyer.

"Currently, I am a graduate Project Manager at AECOM, a globally recognised company, and I genuinely love what I do. The dynamic nature of the construction industry, where each day presents new challenges, keeps work consistently engaging. Despite having only two years of experience, I've had the privilege of contributing to diverse projects, including RAF airfields, NHS healthcare, and both commercial and residential developments.

"As a young woman entering the construction industry, I initially had concerns of being underestimated, but I've been pleasantly surprised by the unwavering support I've received since the early stages of my career.

"The construction field not only offers various opportunities and career paths but also provides the chance to travel due to the industry's continuous demand. I am currently based in Edinburgh and intend to travel further in the future. I wholeheartedly recommend pursuing a career in construction for its immense rewards."

HR Director at Gilbert-Ash, Maria Bradley said:

"During my 36 years working in construction with Gilbert-Ash the time has been marked by many professional milestones, significant changes to the industry and the joy of becoming a mother. It has been a wonderfully fulfilling career and I have no hesitation in encouraging other young women to join the industry – construction today is a much more diverse place to work.

"Moving from a career in the food and chemical sectors, I joined Gilbert-Ash in 1987 as PA to the then Managing Director. The world of construction was very new to me, but it was a step I was willing to take. I have felt supported during my time at Gilbert-Ash which has given me the confidence to really shape my own career.

"My professional career developed and I became a Chartered Member of the Institute of Personnel and Development before progressing to current position as HR Director. It has been hugely rewarding, both for myself and for Gilbert-Ash, to be able to work with various organisations such as the Construction Industry Training Board NI, the Chartered Institute of Building, the Construction Employers Federation NI, Business in the Community NI and Buildhealth NI. I am also a proud board member of WOMEN’STEC who do fantastic work to encourage women and girls to consider a career in construction. Our work together has provided me with some really valuable learnings and has also helped influence how we do things at Gilbert-Ash.

"I also worked with the company in achieving various standards/accreditations such as ISO 9001, ISO 45001, Safe-T-Cert and Investors in People Gold. The processes/procedures implemented as a result of these are now regarded as standard practice across most construction companies and they have helped to make the industry more robust in the marketplace.

"I am very proud to be a part of this professional industry and I would encourage females seeking a challenging and rewarding career to come on board."

Katherine Helliwell, CEF Apprentice of the Year Finalist, Mascott Construction shared her experience so far:

"From a young age I was always helping my dad and my brothers with different projects and was destined for a career in the construction sector. Having a career where I can be hands on and challenged on a daily basis is what I love about the construction industry.

"There are so many avenues available to me both now and in the future. The best thing about this industry for me is being able to see a project taken from planning stage through to completion."