The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Opportunities to build new career
Nationwide efforts encourage women to break down barriers and consider jobs in UK construction industry
Preconceptions of women working in construction are changing.
Building sites and factory workshops are no longer considered female-free zones, and there have been nationwide efforts to recruit more women into what has been, traditionally, a maledominated industry.
Young women in particular are often reluctant to consider a career in construction, especially if they have no relevant skills or experience in the sector.
Factory operative Aimee Bascombe was a selfconfessed “DIY disaster zone” before she started working for Stewart Milne Timber Systems.
Over the past six months, Aimee has not only been trained on the machinery she handles daily – but has gained skills and confidence as a tradesperson.
Aimee said: “Before, if something was broken around the house, I would ask a friend or pay for someone to fix it. Now I’ll give it a go myself. I really enjoy the work that I do.
“I applied because I wanted a change from my previous job.
“I really feel like I’ve found my vocation. I wish I’d made the move sooner.”
Although Aimee had never worked in the industry before, she was keen to learn new skills and believed Stewart Milne Timber Systems would give her all the support necessary.
Her confidence has grown, so much so that she has even delivered training to new staff, including colleague Sarah Gall, another factory operative who started five months ago. Previously in logistics, Sarah joined Stewart Milne Timber Systems with a background in HGV transport, before moving to the factory for a more hands-on role.
With no previous experience of working with timber-cutting machinery or in a factory, Sarah has already become a valuable member of the factory team.
Stevie Mitchell, factory manager at Westhill, said: “New recruits are not required to be highly skilled to begin with, because our quality in-house training equips them with the skills they need and avoids the ‘bad habits’ that can be picked up from previous experience. As a result, we know our staff are working the ‘Stewart Milne Way’ and to the standard we expect.”
Both Aimee and Sarah believe the trepidation of entering the industry is worse than the reality.
Aimee would encourage any woman considering it to take the plunge.
She said: “Just go for it. You will be worried about how you will be treated working in a maledominated industry, but breaking those barriers is never a bad thing.
“You’ll feel like one of the team in no time.”