Sinead Molloy has worked in the construction industry for over 10 years operating various different machines such as telehandlers, forklifts and cranes and after returning from Australia she was disappointed to see the lack of other women on the building site.
She said while she was working in Australia it had become very common for females to be involved in the construction industry, particularly on the driving side with some female only driving firms finding a lot of success.
Sinead said: “I was working in Australia for ten years driving machines, came back here and noticed that girls were not doing it here. I had a friend with a company out there with only female drivers and they found a lot of success with some big firms eventually growing to prefer them than others.
“In Belfast there are very few women on the ground at sites, with them mainly being involved in health and safety or engineering. There is a stigma with females on site, but I know a lot of girls here who would be very hands on, they just don’t know where to start or where to go to get into the industry.”
She Built It NI, is a new training academy and recruitment company tailored for women who have a passion for construction and who may have lacked the confidence to pursue their dream.
We support and strengthen the success of women in the construction industry, providing bespoke training and helping them to gain the skills, knowledge and tools to enter and progress in the sector and to
fulfil their full potential.
We assist contractors and clients to recruit highly motivated, trained and skilled women, helping to reduce skills gaps and promote gender equality in construction.
“Our vision is to create a ‘new normal’ in the construction industry; encouraging and enabling more women to get involved in this exciting industry.”
Advice – Personalised advice and guidance on training requirements and opportunities available in construction.
Training – Access to practical and theory-based training programmes linked to industry requirements and specific vacancies, Work Placements – Access to industry supported placements.
Mentoring – Access to industry supported placements. Jobs – Brokerage into jobs in the construction industry and continued support once in employment.
The Best Training
Providing a direct flow of trained female construction operatives.
PLACEMENTS
Enabling access of women into work-placements
EQUALITY
Supporting gender equality in workforce.