It’s #WomenInConstructionWeek! Today we’re celebrating pre-construction coordinator Sophie Henderson. Sophie started her journey with Howard Civil Engineering seven years ago as a trainee health and safety advisor on-site, but she currently heads up the company’s sustainability focus and community liaison programs in addition to estimating.
We sat down with Sophie to discuss her experience as a woman in construction at Howard Civil Engineering.
How long have you been in your current role?
I joined Howard Civil Engineering as an apprentice in health and safety in 2015, but I have been Pre-Construction Coordinator for 9 months now.
What brought you to Howard Civil Engineering?
During my teenage years I always found myself wondering how buildings and construction projects came to be. People always see the finished product, but I wanted to get involved with the whole construction process beforehand.
I originally wanted to just get my foot through the door in the industry and Howard Civil Engineering seemed like the perfect company in which to do so – they had a good reputation and, as a family-owned business, values that I identified with. Everyone was very friendly and approachable.
Don’t see it as though you’re a woman in a man’s job. You’re a woman in a job!
What advice would you give to women entering the industry?
Don’t see it as though you’re a woman in a man’s job. You’re a woman in a job! Times are changing, and women are now more accepted in what is a predominantly male environment.
I’d also encourage women not to be put off by the fact that it is a male dominated industry – there are so many roles in construction that have good scientific and mathematical bases that aren’t being out on site all day, and even roles that don’t require an intricate knowledge of the methods of construction such as accounting and marketing.
There is an unspoken bond between women who work in construction.
How do you think being a woman has benefitted your role?
I think my experience as a woman has enabled me to bring a softer and more approachable side to the community liaison initiatives undertaken by Howard Civil Engineering. I find I am able to sympathise with people a bit more and I can focus on building relationships with stakeholders such as local residents and businesses.
What do you like about being a woman in the construction industry?
I feel there is an unspoken friendship or bond between women who work in construction. Because we are usually the minority gender, we tend to stick together where possible. I love the interactions I have with other women in the office and on-site!
I also really like to stay updated with WISE (Women in Science and Engineering). The WISE Campaign encourages women and girls to value and pursue science, technology, engineering and meths-related courses in school and it’s so inspiring to see the work they do! It’s definitely something to aspire to and look up to.
