The unexpected closure of Women into Construction has sent ripples through the industry, with many lamenting its untimely end.
- Amidst a quiet recession in construction, the group faced financial challenges exacerbated by post-Covid and cost-of-living crises.
- Despite strong industry support, companies struggled to maintain staff levels, affecting placements through the initiative.
- Founded in 2008 during the Olympic development, the organisation significantly boosted female representation in construction.
- The closure is seen as a significant loss, sparking calls for renewed industry efforts towards gender diversity.
The unwelcome news of Women into Construction’s closure has left industry insiders reeling. This pioneering body, which devoted over sixteen years to promoting gender equality in construction, succumbed to an unfortunate convergence of economic challenges. Managing Director Kath Moore described this ordeal as a ‘perfect storm’ exacerbated by the under-reported recession within the construction sector, alongside post-Covid financial strains and a pervasive cost-of-living crisis.
Despite enjoying steadfast support from numerous construction firms keen to hire their female trainees, Women into Construction faced a harsh reality. Many partner companies, grappling with their own staffing challenges, were unable to offer work placements. Moore noted that while companies expressed a willingness to engage, economic constraints forced them to renege on commitments, significantly squeezing the organisation’s financial channels.
Established as a not-for-profit entity during London’s Olympic developments in 2008, the group quickly demonstrated its value by doubling the number of women on site. It later expanded to work on major projects like The Shard and Crossrail, partnering with industry giants and trade bodies to bridge gender disparities. The organisation prided itself on its agility, operating without a permanent office but effectively placing 4,700 women, 3,000 of whom completed training, into the workforce.
Unfortunately, the dwindling of critical funding, combined with a tepid government commitment to infrastructure, reached a tipping point. Moore’s frustration was evident as she recounted the organisation’s struggle to offer viable job opportunities post-placement, insisting, ‘We don’t want to offer work placements just for the sake of it; there have to be jobs at the end of it.’
The closure has been met with significant regret across social media, with LinkedIn users expressing both gratitude for the organisation’s past achievements and dismay at its cessation. Industry leaders, including Jon Howlin of The Skills Centre, recognised the sizeable impact Women into Construction made. He emphasised the necessity of sustaining momentum towards gender diversity in the wake of this closure.
Moore summed up the situation poignantly, arguing that proactive steps from the industry are crucial. She asserted that Women into Construction had proven women’s capabilities, challenging outdated narratives and demonstrating that a supportive environment encourages female applicants: ‘We have shown that if you make it clear you are a company that is proactive and shows it’s open to employing women, then they will apply, and they will be good.’
The closure of Women into Construction is a profound reminder of the ongoing need for persistent advocacy and support for gender diversity in the industry.
