Foundation and Future: Women in Welsh Construction

Our Opportunity

At WEPCo, we are uniquely placed to influence not only the construction industry we work within, but also the future workforce of Wales. Through our partnerships with schools and colleges across the country, we have access to hundreds—if not thousands—of young people exploring their future career paths.

This gives us a powerful platform to showcase what we do: creating modern, sustainable infrastructure for the next generation. By drawing on the skills, expertise and lived experiences of the WEPCo team, our consultant network and our delivery partners, we are able to offer students genuine insight into the breadth of careers within construction. Our goal is simple: spark curiosity, challenge assumptions, and open young minds to the possibilities this industry offers.

With a passion for STEM and a commitment to encouraging girls into these pathways, WEPCo has joined forces with the Women’s Leadership Group to develop a new Females in Construction initiative—championing the achievements, impact and voices of women working in construction across Wales.

1. Challenging Assumptions and Building Confidence

While the industry has progressed significantly, many women describe early experiences where assumptions were made about their technical interest or capabilities. Some found their questions redirected elsewhere or their professional status unintentionally overlooked.

Importantly, these experiences reflect the past—not the present. Today, the sector is undergoing meaningful change, with inclusive practices embedded across project teams and supply chains. At WEPCo, we are committed to fostering environments that are accessible, supportive and representative—creating a culture where everyone can thrive and feel confident to contribute.

2. Construction Isn’t “Just for the Boys”

One of the most persistent myths about construction is that it is male dominated by default. As Lisa Garfield, WEPCo Project Manager, explains, this simply isn’t true. Modern construction thrives on diversity—of skills, perspectives, backgrounds and thinking styles. Louise Sanders, Senior Quantity Surveyor at Robertson Group, highlights the reality: she now works with “many brilliant young women” as the industry becomes “increasingly balanced.”

The message is clear: construction is for everyone.

3. A Career for Life: Stability and Variety

Few sectors offer the stability and breadth of opportunity that construction does. As Lucy Guitton, Graduate Site Manager at Bouygues UK, describes, construction is a “career for life”—a field where society will always need new homes, schools, colleges, healthcare facilities and infrastructure.

For many women, this has translated into:

• Long-term career security
• Strong earning potential
• Competitive benefits and pensions
• Clear progression routes

And beyond stability lies variety. Whether analytical, creative, communicative or strategic, there is a pathway for every strength. Simply put: there is space for everybody in construction.

4. Construction and Motherhood: Making It Work

A key question for many women is how construction aligns with family life. The stories we have heard show that motherhood and career progression can absolutely go hand-in-hand. Some, like Louise Sanders, returned from maternity leave to immediate promotion. Others have adapted their roles—moving into framework, planning or pre construction work that allows greater flexibility at key life stages.

There is no single pathway. Careers evolve, and construction provides the breadth to evolve with them. At WEPCo, we champion flexibility as a non-negotiable part of retaining talent—and building a stronger, more diverse industry for Wales.