Issues Surrounding Recruiting More Women
A report published by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), looks at the prospects of attracting more women to the industry. It states that construction needs to appeal to young entrants as well as those returning to work following a career break after having children or those females in need of a career change.
By far the biggest barrier for women entering into the construction sector appears to be maternity and child care benefits with only 15% of the construction industry giving female workers more than 18 weeks’ statutory maternity leave, compared with the national average of 27% which contributes to retention and career progression. Around 44% of females work part time in the UK but this figure is reduced to around 5% in construction.
The Way Forward
Last year the government launched a #notjustforboys campaign aimed to highlight issues surrounding getting more women to work in industries like construction where they are under- represented.
The campaign gave employers the opportunity to become a mentor as part of a new enterprise allowance scheme. Work experience placement or setting up a skills academy was also on offer, as well as advertising all vacancies with Jobcentre Plus.
Induction of a new employee along with training, career development and promotion is more likely to improve retention levels. For women with a family part-time and flexible working is essential to balance work and family life.
According to Building.co.uk, Randstad Recruitment claims that if the right cultural change is chosen, the proportion of jobs held by female workers could exceed its 26% prediction by 2020.
The Midlands Construction Summit taking place 20 September 2016 at Ricoh Arena Coventry, will gather industry leaders and professionals together to confront these issues and to discuss how perceptions can be overcome to attract more women to the workforce.
Organised by the Built Environment Hub, this year the Midlands Construction Summit & Expo is to be based around three interlinked key themes:
Image, Skills and Productivity. Tickets cost just £95 plus vat and include; entry into the Midlands Construction Summit, entry into the Midlands Construction Expo, parking, lunch and refreshments throughout the event.
For more information, or to book your place, visit: www.midlandsconstructionsummit.co.uk