Celebrating women building their careers in construction

A team of women involved in building Teesside University’s BIOS development are helping to pave the foundations for others seeking to pursue a career in construction.

The University is working with Wates Construction on BIOS, a £36.9m cutting-edge science, health and medical building, which will enhance the learning experience of health students in the School of Health & Life Sciences.

To mark International Women’s Day, we spoke to some of the key women in pivotal roles in the development, to ask them about their chosen career path.

The University is continuing its partnership with Wates Construction, which successfully delivered recent projects including the award-winning Cornell Quarter student accommodation and the National Horizons Centre, based at the University’s Darlington campus.

For commercial manager Abi Synclair, working in construction was the “best career decision”. Abi adds that she enjoys having the opportunity to get involved in projects which “have a positive impact on people and their environments and leave a legacy which people can be proud of.”

Section manager Becky McEwan said: “My first construction project was Cornell Quarter. I was involved in supporting the site managers and day-to-day running of the site, which led me to decide that a site management role was definitely for me and something to aim towards.”

For senior site manager Lilian Kakoun, it’s about “actually bringing buildings to life.” Lilian added: “Working in construction allows me not only to be part of the design, but also be involved in the entire building process, from planning, project management, to site construction and quality control.”

Site surveyor Mehvish Sharif said: “It’s the flexibility. Every day can be different. You might spend a morning in the office, then head out on site in the afternoon, seeing the work progress.”

Site manager Kathryn Tuck added: “I like construction, as the result is an aesthetically pleasing building, which will last and be used by many. I didn’t want a job where I was stuck at a desk all day. Construction provides an ever-changing work environment.”

The best part of the job for Lilian is “the sense of accomplishment and pride” that comes with completing a successful project. “Being able to stand back and see the finished building, knowing that I played a crucial role in its completion is incredibly rewarding,” she added.

When considering whether working in the industry has matched prior expectations, Lilian said: “The reality is better than expected. I have been fortunate to work with many talented and dedicated professionals, who are passionate about creating high quality spaces and maintaining a safe an inclusive working environment.”

Echoing this view, Kathryn said: “There are a lot more women coming into the industry and it is becoming a lot more diverse. There has been a big shift towards digital and new technologies are being implemented. There is also a big emphasis on sustainability.”

Mehvish added: “I came into the industry perhaps a little naïve, not appreciating the opportunities in terms of progression. It is rewarding, especially when you see the end result and people using the completed facility.”

And their advice for women seeking to follow them into the industry is clear. Lilian said: “It might be a cliché, but I would say believe in yourself and your abilities. There is nothing that limits you, except your own doubts. Working in construction is challenging, but very rewarding at the same time.”

Becky added: “Go for it. We need more women involved and it’s great to finally see it start to happen.”

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