Spitfire Homes has backed a Home Builders Federation (HBF) programme designed to help more women enter the housebuilding industry by providing hands-on site experience.
Civil engineer Aneena Thomas (main picture) has completed a two-week placement at Spitfire’s Viridian development in Edgbaston through the Women into Home Building programme.
Thomas, who has a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and a master’s degree in construction management, previously spent six years working in construction in India but found a lack of UK site experience was proving a barrier to securing a role after moving to the country.
During the placement she shadowed Spitfire’s site management team, gaining experience of subcontractor management, health and safety and day-to-day construction operations.
BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS
The HBF programme combines a week of online training with two weeks of work experience with participating housebuilders. Childcare and travel support is provided through sponsorship from NHBC.
More than 150 women have taken part since the initiative launched in 2023, with over 50 subsequently securing jobs within the industry.
Thomas says: “I’d love to see more women involved in this industry. There is a huge amount of female talent out there, including people I studied with at university, who have the qualifications and are ready to take their opportunity.
“It’s about making sure that talent is seen and people are given the chance to shine.”
INDUSTRY SKILLS
The programme is approaching its ninth cohort and is open to career changers, returners, graduates and women at any stage of their career.
Matt Vincent, Operations Director at Spitfire Homes, says: “The industry needs more women in site-based and technical roles alike, and we’re determined to play our part in creating those opportunities and helping people build lasting careers in housebuilding.”
Applications for the latest Women into Home Building cohort close on 20 September.
