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WOMEN ENCOURAGED TO CONSIDER CONSTRUCTION CAREERS
The shortage of construction workers is one of the biggest challenges facing the building industry amid warnings that there is not enough skilled labour to meet the demand for housing .
Efforts are under way to try to encourage more women to enter the sector .
Programmes have also been launched aimed at boosting interest in construction careers among school children .
On a building site in Co Kildare , construction management graduate Samantha Kelly is carrying out her daily site inspections .
She may be working in what is still a male-dominated industry but Ms Kelly said she has always felt welcome on the building site .
“ There is actually quite a few female construction workers here on site ,” she said .
“ We have a lady that drives a big dumper , we have another intern doing construction management and we have a woman in health and safety . Overall it is still male-dominated but women are coming up into it now .”
“ You never feel out of place . It is very diverse and you are always included .”
“ Women should definitely look at construction as a career . There are different stages and you don ’ t have to work on-site if you don ’ t want to ,” Ms Kelly said .
Ms Kelly works for Glenveagh Construction which is focussed on creating a broader and more inclusive workforce as a way of tackling the labour shortages that it is currently facing .
“ It is a challenge . We are looking for project managers , programme managers , site leaders but also lots of roles inside the office such as in learning and development ,” said Barbara Robinson , Training and Organisational Development Manager with Glenveagh .
“ There is a misperception about what it is like to work in construction . It ’ s not all about mucky boots , it ’ s a good place to work .
“ We foster diversity and inclusion , we have great policies in place and my role wouldn ’ t have been there a few years ago . I look after nurturing and developing talent , offering mentoring and coaching ,” Ms Robinson said .
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