Introduction

To continue their 10^th anniversary celebrations, Technical and Development Services, South West are taking a look at the last decade and the advancement of opportunities for women. Our Utilities Manager, Lisa Godfrey also shares her experience of working within the construction industry. 

The last decade has seen a significant shift in the UK construction industry, particularly regarding women’s roles. Companies like Technical & Development Services Ltd (TDS Group) have been at the forefront of this change, championing values that support and empower women.

TDS Group’s Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

TDS Group’s dedication to equality, diversity, and constant improvement provides an encouraging environment for women in construction. The company’s values resonate with the industry’s evolving landscape, where inclusivity is becoming increasingly crucial.

Lisa Godfrey’s Experience

Lisa Godfrey’s is the Utilities Manager at Technical & Development Services South-West Ltd. Her journey in the construction industry underscores the unique challenges faced by women, especially working mothers. TDS Group’s company values of better work/life balance, flexible working and constantly striving for positive change alongside equality and diversity have seen continued improvement within the company over the past 10 years. Her perspective highlights the importance of being acknowledged as an equal and the need for workplaces to understand and support the diverse challenges women face. 

Industry-wide Progress and Challenges

Over the past decade, the number of women in the UK construction industry has grown, with women now holding 16% of senior positions and 37% of new entrants being female. Despite this progress, challenges like gender discrimination and pay disparities persist, with 72% of women experiencing discrimination and a significant gender pay gap.

The Next Ten Years: Predictions and Trends

Looking ahead, the construction industry is expected to focus on several key areas:

1. Skilled Workforce Development: The industry anticipates a rise in apprenticeships and degree apprenticeships, partly due to the high cost of university education. This shift could create more opportunities for women and diversify the talent pool

2. Technological Advancements: Emerging technologies like drones, wearables, and robotics are predicted to reshape the industry, making it safer and more efficient. This technological shift could attract a new generation of workers, including more women, to construction.

3. Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility: A growing focus on energy consumption and sustainable practices is expected. This emphasis on environmental stewardship and circular practices could open new roles and specializations within the industry, potentially appealing to a broader demographics. This sits at the heart of the TDS Group’s company value of sustainability. 

4.Infrastructure Development: Opportunities in infrastructure projects are likely to increase, offering potential growth areas for women in the industry.

Conclusion

The past decade has witnessed considerable progress for women in the UK construction industry, but the journey towards full equality and inclusion continues. The coming years promise advancements in technology, sustainability, and workforce development, presenting new opportunities for women. With companies like TDS Group leading by example and professionals like Lisa Godfrey breaking barriers, the future looks promising for women in construction.

Sources

These sources provide insights into the current state of women in the construction industry and predictions for future trends that will impact the sector in the UK.

1. “14 Women in Construction Statistics in the UK: 2024 Update.” House Grail. Accessed at [House Grail](https://housegrail.com/)【29†source】.

2. “2024 construction predictions: where is the industry headed?” Planning, Building & Construction Today. Accessed at [Planning, Building & Construction Today](https://www.pbctoday.co.uk/)【30†source】.

3. “2024 Construction Trends: 30+ Experts Share Insight.” Digital Builder, Autodesk. Accessed at [Digital Builder](https://constructionblog.autodesk.com/)【31†source】.

4. “The Top 3 Trends That Will Impact the Construction Industry in 2024.” The Hartford. Accessed at [The Hartford](https://www.thehartford.com/)【32†source】.5. “Blog – 2024 UK construction industry predictions and trends.” Approach Personnel. Accessed at [Approach Personnel](https://www.approachpersonnel.co.uk/)【33†source】.