Women in construction
Name: Katy Robinson
Grade: Non-member
Location: Yorkshire
Job title: Senior Project Manager
Company: East Riding of Yorkshire Council
Can you share your journey and experiences as a woman in the construction industry? What inspired you to pursue a career in this field?
I started in the industry as an apprentice quantity surveyor in 2017, I was the only woman in the construction team at that time, it took me a while to settle into it, especially when working on site. However, I changed employer in 2020 and joined a project management team with a mix of men and women. I also had a female manager and mentor for the first time, which really helped me develop in my role but also in my self-confidence.
In terms of the inspiration to pursue a career in construction, I originally went to an apprenticeship provider with the aim of doing a business administration apprenticeship, but they recommended one to me which was closer to home and doing quantity surveying. I took the job purely out of convenience but ended up being better suited to it compared to business admin anyway – I really enjoyed the constantly evolving work that goes on within the construction industry and it gave me a great feeling of job satisfaction.
What significant achievements or milestones have you reached in your construction career that you are particularly proud of?
I’ve had a whirlwind of a career in construction, and received a number of awards. I was placed in the ‘Top 30 Under 30’, as well as the ‘Top 100 Most Influential in Construction’. That said, the most significant achievement I’ve made is through the campaign I am running to address the widespread inequalities in personal protective equipment provision for minority groups. The campaign aims to make the industry safer and more inclusive, which is a much bigger achievement than anything else I’ve done, as I know it’s working to make the industry a better place.
Could you share a specific challenge you faced and how you overcame it, serving as an inspiration to others?
The self-con fidence struggle is something I’ve been impacted by throughout my career, I’ve struggled to find the true value in myself and my work. Which results in me constantly doubting myself and feeling the effects of imposter syndrome. It’s something I’ve been trying to work on over the last year, but I wouldn’t exactly say I’ve overcome it, more that I’ve learnt to deal with it and ignore those feelings.
How do you engage with your community or support initiatives to encourage more women to enter the construction field?
During my apprenticeship, I didn’t have any other women to look up to as role models in the construction industry, I didn’t have any in my workplace, didn’t meet any at college and I didn’t even have any female teachers. So, when I changed employer and started university, I came across plenty of fantastic and inspirational female role models, which definitely helped me settle into my role, as well as feeling like I had settled into the industry itself.
I work a lot with the National Association of Women in Construction to encourage more young women to consider a career in the construction industry, through talks and presentations about my own experiences, organising site visits with schools, and mentoring university students.
Are there specific networking groups or associations that you find valuable for women in construction? How has networking contributed to your professional growth?
I’d highly recommend checking out the National Association of Women in Construction – there are so many active regional committees across the UK that are doing some fantastic work.
Discovering the benefits of networking was a pivotal point in my career, it has since brought me so many friendships, as well as opportunities for public speaking, elevating my career and changing the industry to be more inclusive. Networking is often just thought of as related to getting new jobs, but that’s not the sole purpose of it. There are so many voluntary opportunities that I have accepted through networking, whether it is presenting webinars for professional bodies, or working to change the law and regulations about inclusivity in health and safety, my network has allowed me to take these opportunities and gain these fantastic experiences.
In what ways do you think diversity, including gender diversity, contributes to the success and innovation within the construction industry?
Equity, diversity and inclusion is not just a ‘tick box exercise’ and has so much more benefit than that. Having a diverse workforce allows you to gain different perspectives, which in an industry which creates society’s infrastructure, it is essential that these diverse experiences and perspectives are taken into account, to in turn help create a more equal, diverse, and inclusive society.
When you’re not conquering the construction world, what’s your go-to activity for unwinding and letting loose?
My favourite hobby is travelling, I’ve visited 36 countries so far and always take full advantage of the annual leave I get to do so.
Women’s Networking session
February’s Women’s Networking session saw a presentation by Katy Robinson, Senior Project Manager, East Riding of Yorkshire Council, on the crucial topic of PPE for women in the industry and its importance. Katy’s research underscores the profound consequences of ill- fitting PPE, especially for women. From restricted movement due to improperly sized hi-vis trousers to the heightened risk of accidents stemming from ill- fitting gloves and boots. Many women opt to forgo PPE altogether when faced with unfit gear, exacerbating safety concerns.
Katy’s advocacy aims to address this, urging industry stakeholders to prioritise the safety of all workers.
With thanks to Katy for the presentation.
Women’s Network book of the month
Shut Up, Stop Whining, and Get a Life: A Kick-Butt Approach to a Better Life Larry Winget
Paperback, Wiley Publishing, £7.78 272 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1118024515
This book is a transformative read that resonated deeply with me, engaging me at a level of 10 out of 10. One of the main concepts from the book that had a profound impact on me is the notion of personal accountability.
The blunt assertion that ‘your life is your own fault’ challenged me to confront any tendency to blame external circumstances or others for my own shortcomings. Instead, the book advocates for a mindset shift towards empowerment, where individuals recognise their agency in shaping their destiny.
This emphasis on accountability serves as a powerful reminder that while external factors may influence our circumstances, our response and actions ultimately determine our trajectory.
The book’s straightforward and no-nonsense approach to personal development captured my attention from the start, compelling me to reflect on my own mindset and actions.
Additionally, the book’s practical advice and real-life examples kept me thoroughly engaged, inspiring me to delve deeper into Winget’s work through videos and other resources.
Overall, the book not only provided valuable insights but also sparked a genuine desire for personal growth and self-improvement that continues to influence my mindset and actions.
Genna Rourke FCInstCES