A leading Midlands housebuilder is urging schools, colleges, and the construction industry to do more to encourage women to pursue careers in construction, as a new mentoring scheme aimed at supporting female talent gets underway.
Sophie Horgan, director of Horgan Homes, is one of seven women spearheading the “I Am A Housebuilder” campaign, launched by the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for SME housebuilders. The initiative pairs aspiring female professionals in the construction industry with experienced women in the field, offering mentorship and guidance.
Horgan is calling for greater efforts to address the gender imbalance in the sector, particularly by changing perceptions of construction as a male-dominated profession. She argues that more needs to be done at the educational level to help young women see construction as a viable and rewarding career path.
“There’s still a widespread assumption that construction is a career for men,” Horgan said. “This perception is deeply ingrained, and we need to work together to change it. Women are just as capable of excelling in construction, whether in trades like bricklaying, plumbing, or as electricians, or in professions such as project management, surveying, or architecture.”
The I Am A Housebuilder campaign is aimed at addressing these challenges, but Horgan believes the solution needs to start much earlier. “We need to engage with schools and colleges to show girls that the construction industry is a place where they can thrive,” she added.
The mentoring scheme, which is backed by Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions, is designed to provide guidance and support to women already in the industry, as well as to those looking to enter. The programme is open to women aged 21 and over, who are eligible to work in the UK and have at least four years of experience or qualifications in construction or housebuilding.
Horgan believes that attracting more women into construction is vital for addressing the skills shortage facing the industry. “The construction sector is in the midst of a significant skills crisis, and we simply can’t afford to overlook the potential of female talent. Encouraging more women to join and stay in the industry could play a big part in resolving this issue.”
Reflecting on her own journey in the industry, Horgan acknowledged the obstacles she has faced. “There are more women in construction now than when I started, but many of the challenges still remain. I hope that the new mentoring programme will give talented women the support they need to overcome these barriers and build fulfilling careers in housebuilding.”
Joining Sophie in leading the I Am A Housebuilder campaign are six other prominent female leaders in the construction sector: Xuan Meng, founder and director of Cosy Hauz; Charlotte Edwards, managing director of Dennis Edwards Homes; Georgina Hammond, co-founder and director of Beau Property; Sarah Barraclough, managing director of Skipton Properties; Rosey Cassidy, director of Newman Rose; and Alice Maughan, creative director and designer of Stronghold Homes.
The mentorship scheme marks a significant step towards addressing the gender gap in construction, but Horgan believes the next generation must be targeted. “If we’re serious about getting more women into the industry, we need to start laying the foundations in the classroom.”
For more information on the mentoring scheme and the I Am A Housebuilder campaign, visit the APPG website.
