Celebrating International Women’s Day #inspireinclusion

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we want to take a moment to honour all the incredible women who continue to make a significant contribution to the company. International Women’s Day is an opportunity for everyone to celebrate the contribution women make in creating diverse and inclusive workplaces, and to promote gender equality throughout the industry. We’re proud to say that, within our business, women are key members within a range of departments, including preconstruction and design, quantity surveying, health and safety/compliance, accounts and senior management. The industry has come a long way when it comes to the representation of women- but there is still more to be done.

As the world celebrates International Women’s Day, we’d like to shine the spotlight on two of our degree apprentices, Maisie Vaulters and Kara Dawson.

Maisie Vaulters is a trainee quantity surveyor and is currently studying for a Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management degree at the University of South Wales where she attends one day a week, while gaining first-hand experience in quantity surveying with F P Hurley’s commercial team for the other four.

Maisie’s responsibilities focus on project contracts, helping to estimate costs, material quantities and project timelines. A key part of the role is to liaise with a range of other teams working on the project, helping it to stay on track. She is currently working on some big and exciting projects such as Llyn Y Forwen School in Ferndale, Rhondda Cynon Taf valued at £1.9 million. Maisie works with a very experienced team to help her progress and achieve the best possible outcomes within the projects she has been assigned to.

Maisie enjoys speaking with our clients and understands how important it is to ensure that their needs are met at all stages of the project. Another part of the job she enjoys is visiting project sites with project managers to further her understanding of the installation process and develop her knowledge of the quantity surveyor’s vital role in commercial management.

Her passion for attracting more women into the construction industry led to her recently becoming a Go Construct STEM Ambassador. She is keen to develop in this exciting role where she will be promoting careers in the construction industry.

Maisie comments:

“I’m keen to help breakdown the barriers that women face working in the construction industry and want to empower more females to consider this male dominated industry as a career path. I became a Go Construct STEM Ambassador because I’m passionate about inspiring new talent and want to support women face new challenges and make a difference.”

Kara Dawson is an Electrical Design Trainee and is studying for a degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering at the University of South Wales through the Network 75 scheme. Kara has always been interested in buildings and design and thrives on problem solving, creative thinking and teamwork. Kara wanted a ‘hands on’ career path and this is what attracted her to the apprenticeship route.

Kara’s role allows her to learn all aspects of what design involves, including designing where electrical fixtures are most beneficial in buildings, coordinating cabling and wiring around the building as well as mechanical obstructions to ensure the safety of people in the building, and power and lighting calculations to ensure optimum lighting is achieved. Kara is learning about the process of decarbonisation, which includes making existing buildings as green and energy efficient as possible.

Kara comments:

“I’m proud to be a woman in engineering, as I can be a role model for the younger generation and inspire them to join an industry that is making steady progress in attracting women into traditionally male dominated roles. Every day is different, it’s dynamic, challenging and really motivating. It keeps me driven and curious to know and learn more.”