March 8th is International Women’s Day, a day where women celebrate and raise visibility of their achievements; and in the United States it even falls within a whole week dedicated to Women in Construction.
We chatted to two women from our North West division about their prospering careers at Redrow in what may traditionally have been seen as male roles – but not anymore. Just as IWD in 2021 is focused on challenging gender bias and questioning stereotypes, we’re committed to recruiting and developing a diverse workforce.
Isabel Guest, 26, is currently an assistant site manager at Weaver Park in Hartford, Cheshire. She first joined us as a trainee site manager on a graduate scheme after gaining a degree in Construction Management from Liverpool John Moores University.
“After leaving university, I wanted to pursue a career related to my degree so Redrow’s graduate scheme seemed like a good way in for me. It was a site-based role so I experienced first-hand everything that goes on,” Isabel explained.
Her role includes liaising with various contractors, ensuring good standards of health and safety on site and managing customers’ expectations pre- and post-completion of their home.
Isabel adds: “The perception of women working in predominantly male construction roles is changing. On site, there are women working across lots of different disciplines and at all levels. I feel that women can help improve team performance and bring fresh perspective.”
Millie Knowles, 22, is a customer service technician. Prior to joining us, Millie did some work experience at a family friend’s plumbing business while she was still at school and that is where her love for the trade started.
She then went on to complete a plumbing course at West Cheshire College where she was the only female on that year’s course intake.
“It never bothered me at all that I was going into a trade that was more commonly associated with males, in fact, it spurred me on. I don’t agree with stereotypical ‘male’ or ‘female’ roles; at the end of the day what matters is that you’re good at what you do,” Millie says.
“My apprenticeship set me up well for my role as a customer service technician. We work with customers to carry out routine maintenance after they’ve moved in. During my apprenticeship I got used to working in a professional environment and delivering first class workmanship, which I am now bringing to Redrow and its customers.”
Millie is aiming one day to become a site manager.
To find out more about how you can start a career with us visit www.redrowcareers.co.uk
