Women currently account for around 16% of the overall construction workforce in the UK* – a noticeable improvement from around 11% a decade ago. While progress is being made, the industry continues to work towards greater gender balance, particularly in on-site roles where the workforce remains predominantly male.

While on-site roles remain male-dominated, increasing female representation is visible within the wider project support and pre-construction framework, where talented women are playing an essential role in delivering complex infrastructure schemes across the region.

That’s certainly the case at Howard Civil Engineering: as part of Women in Construction Week, we’re proud to spotlight two members of the HCE team – Holly Moore and Hayley Ashton – who are building rewarding careers in the sector and helping to shape its future.

Holly Moore – On-Site Project Coordinator

Holly’s route into construction began in recruitment, where she spent two years specialising in the industry. She then moved into contracts administration with a building services engineering company, a role she held for six and a half years before joining Howard Civil Engineering (HCE) as an On-Site Project Coordinator.

Her position is pivotal to the smooth running of major schemes. Holly manages key administrative responsibilities including site inductions, recording hours, ordering PPE, tracking CSCS cards and tickets, overseeing Good Received Notices (GRNs), and updating clients and contractors with site reports.

Holly’s remit also extends into sustainability, an increasingly important focus across the construction industry. Holly carries out all carbon reporting for HCE’s Skelton Grange and Knostrop sites, ensuring environmental performance is accurately monitored and recorded. In addition, she updates drawing registers, logs samples, files test results, and manages site fuel and AdBlue orders.

Holly says:

“I felt welcome from day one at HCE. It’s a forward‑thinking company where I’ve always felt supported and treated fairly. Building a career in construction as a woman is challenging in the best way, and it’s an industry I genuinely enjoy being part of.

Although on‑site teams are still predominantly male, I’m encouraged by the growing number of women in technical roles across our projects. We’re seeing opportunities today that simply weren’t common 20 years ago. for example, I regularly collaborate with a female Geotechnical Engineer from one of our subcontractors. It’s inspiring to see that change happening.”

Her experience reflects a broader shift within the industry – with more women entering technical and project support roles that are vital to successful project delivery.

Hayley Ashton – Pre-Construction Apprentice

Joining Howard Civil Engineering in August 2024 as a Pre-Construction Apprentice, Hayley Ashton has made an outstanding start to her career.

Having recently completed her Level 4 Construction Quantity Surveying Technician qualification at Leeds College of Building, she is now preparing to progress to degree-level study. Within the pre-construction team, Hayley carries out estimating for various HCE sites across the region, contributing directly to the early-stage planning and financial management of projects.

Hayley has embraced the opportunity to combine academic study with hands-on industry experience, bringing enthusiasm, fresh thinking and curiosity to the team. Her dedication was recognised last year when she won Student of the Year at HCE’s Building Futures Awards, which celebrate outstanding apprentices across the business.

Hayley says:

“My dad worked in construction, also as an Estimator, and he encouraged me to consider the industry. I’m really glad I made the decision to go into construction and HCE is a great company for young women to develop a career. I am new to the industry so I can’t speak with a lot of experience about how female representation has changed, but I have studied alongside a lot of other women apprentices preparing for a career in the industry.”

Her journey highlights the growing number of young women choosing construction pathways, particularly through apprenticeship and technical qualification routes.

Looking Ahead

Stories like Holly’s and Hayley’s demonstrate the significant strides being made across project support, pre-construction, commercial and technical disciplines.

At HCE, there is a clear commitment to creating an inclusive, forward-thinking environment where women can thrive, develop and progress. By supporting apprenticeships, championing technical careers and fostering a culture built on respect and opportunity, HCE is helping to reshape perceptions of the industry.

For construction to continue evolving, it must actively attract and retain female talent at every level. Encouraging more women into engineering, commercial and operational roles will help unlock a wider talent pool and further strengthen the industry.

Women in Construction Week provides an opportunity to celebrate progress, but more importantly, to reaffirm the sector’s commitment to building a workforce that truly reflects the communities it serves.