Inspiring Inclusion for International Women’s Day, William Davis Homes Directors Sarah Whetton (left) and Michele Rose (right) with first-year apprentices Lillie Barker (second left) and Mia Evans-Scriven
Female employees at a leading housebuilder are helping to showcase opportunities for women in the construction industry, as part of International Women’s Day (8th March).
William Davis Homes has appointed two female directors in the last 18 months and recently recruited more female apprentices as part of its annual intake of new starters.
This year’s campaign theme for International Women’s Day is ‘Inspire Inclusion’ – a concept supported by William Davis directors Sarah Whetton and Michele Rose, along with new apprentices Lillie Barker and Mia Evans-Scriven.
The campaign calls for global action to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes and create environments where all women are valued and respected.
Lillie is an apprentice plumber and said she was delighted to have found her ideal job after leaving school:
“When I was at school, I thought the only employment available for me were things like office work or childcare, which are just not for me personally. But my sister left school and started work as an electrician and that opened my eyes to what was out there.
“Now I’ve found the perfect job with William Davis, who have been really supportive. As soon as I joined, I wanted to make it known that I wanted to be treated the same as any other person. That’s exactly what’s happened and I couldn’t be happier.”
Mia has also landed her ideal job after joining William Davis as an apprentice bricklayer. She said she feels part of a family when she’s at work:
“Understandably, I had some nerves about starting an apprenticeship in a male-dominated industry, but I have never felt more included within a social setting. The friends I have made at William Davis are unforgettable and really do look after me.”
Michele Rose recently joined William Davis Homes as Group Sales & Marketing Director and leads a mainly female sales team. She said it was important that key decisions include a female perspective.
“Looking back more than 26 years ago, I was one of the youngest female directors in a business where it was unusual to have female management. Now I’m pleased to say that there are many more success stories of women getting to the top.
“When people are buying a house, it’s the females who are often the ones making the decisions. So it’s important that we look at the whole concept through female eyes as well.”
Group Land Director Sarah Whetton has more than 30 years’ experience in housebuilding – much of that at executive level. She said it was important to highlight the achievements of women in an industry historically dominated by men:
“As the sector continues to evolve, the active involvement and leadership of women will play an important role in shaping its future towards innovation, sustainability and excellence,” said Sarah.
“Hopefully, by highlighting success stories and leadership roles, we can help to attract a more diverse workforce to the industry.”
William Davis has a proud record of recruiting female apprentices and Mia added that any young women thinking of entering the industry should ‘give it a go.’
“I can’t stress how important it is for girls to consider taking a role within construction,” said Mia. “It’s a completely different environment, where you can learn a trade for life that no one will ever be able to take away from you.”
