BusinessUK house builder wants to signal commitment to women in construction

UK house builder wants to signal commitment to women in construction

TWO female graduates are the latest to join a major house builder as the company hopes to signal commitment to women in construction.

Abigale Kyle, 25, from Falkirk and Erin Davies, 36, from Strathaven have been hired by the Scottish branch of construction company Lovell.

Abigale joins as a quantity surveyor, having just completed a bachelor’s with Honours degree at Edinburgh Napier University.

Meanwhile, Erin has recently earned her HND in civil engineering and is on the roster at the construction company as a development engineer.

Lovell hopes that the new hires will further signal their commitment to increasing gender equality within the construction industry.

The house builders have pointed to Abigale and Erin as examples of the inclusivity of their graduate and apprenticeship schemes and a speaker series featuring female Lovell employees from different specialisations.

Erin Davies (L) and Abigale Kyle (R) smile as they join the Lovell as new hires
Erin Davies (L) and Abigale Kyle (R) join Lovell who say they employ 13% more women than the industry average.

The company also has an ongoing partnership with the independent not-for-profit organisation Women Into Construction. 

Lovell say that 28% of the workforce are women with number from the Office for National Statistics saying the construction industry average is 15%.

Abigale Kyle said: “The support and opportunities provided by Lovell have been instrumental in my growth.

“The two years of full-time work and study were challenging but crucial in shaping my career.

“I now feel equipped not just with the technical skills but also the interpersonal skills needed to thrive in this industry.

“Lovell’s commitment to further qualifications shows their dedication to our growth.”

Erin Davies added: “Balancing full-time work, study, and raising three kids was challenging but rewarding.

“Lovell’s flexibility and support were key, and now I can show my children that with hard work and determination, you can achieve your goals.

“I look forward to continuing my career and setting an example for them.”

Tony Rankin, regional managing director at Lovell, said: “A great deal of work is being done at Lovell to attract, recruit and train increasing numbers of women to bring us towards gender equality.

“The two achievements of Abigale Kyle and Erin Davies are a testament to their hard work and dedication, and we hope their example will inspire more women to consider a career in the construction industry.”

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