The Office for National Statistics most recent quarterly data (Q4 2025) has revealed that 15% of construction workers are women, with a total of 311,750 working in the industry . As Women in Construction Week 2026 approaches (1st – 7th March), 25-year old Jessica Scanlon, a Construction Graduate, is playing a vital role in securing the future of women in the industry.
Having graduated from London South Bank University in 2025 with a degree in Project Management, Jessica secured a place on Barratt Redrow’s Aspire Programme, which she has now been on for seven months. The two-year scheme is tailored to allow graduates to rotate around every area of the business in the first year, followed by specialising in a chosen area during the second year where the projects are longer and more focussed.
Jessica always knew she wanted a career in the construction industry, especially since her dad is a director of a carpentry company. She commented: “I had explored other career paths but for the longest time I knew a career in construction was for me. However, I don’t think this would have been the case if my dad wasn’t also in the industry, as it was never made out to be an opportunity at school, especially for women. There is a huge gap in the market in terms of education and it’s something housebuilders should be making schools and universities aware of.”
Seven-months into the scheme, Jessica has been based with Barratt David Wilson Kent on site at Sholden Meadows, shadowing the Project Manager and liaising daily with trades. She has found that her wider team has been extremely supportive and has felt respected amongst a typical larger demographic of men.
Jessica added: “It is clear that Barratt David Wilson Kent focuses on supporting all its workers and ensures the environment is inclusive. I knew joining the construction industry I wouldn’t be surrounded by many females, but this is something that is evolving. During my studies at university, I wrote my dissertation on women in construction, and it is really interesting to see how my experience so far has differed to those who have been in the industry for a while.”
For the construction industry to attract and retain more women, Jessica believes that Women in Construction Week is the perfect time for housebuilders to be promoting its female workers. She said: “Women in Construction Week is a crucial moment in the year. This is a time when women should be stepping forward to highlight their achievements and to show it is possible to craft a positive career in construction. My biggest piece of advice to any female wanting to get into the industry is to not be afraid of the stigma and to grab the opportunity with both hands, because when you secure that role you are proving that it is possible!”
Natalie Perry, Sales and Marketing Director at Barratt David Wilson Kent, commented: “Hearing Jessica’s story is truly inspiring, and I am pleased we are able to highlight her successes and positive attitude during Women in Construction Week. As a woman in the industry myself I know exactly the misconceptions that still exist, but stories like Jessica’s show young people that anything is possible. It is the perfect chance to inspire change and promote solutions that will attract and retain more women in the sector, which it still definitely needs to bridge the skills gap.”
For those considering a career in construction with Barratt David Wilson Homes, visit www.barrattcareers.co.uk.
