Lesley Rowland is national sales director at Keyline Civils Specialist
When we talk about women in construction, it can quickly become a conversation – not without good reason – about barriers. I want to give a little positivity to women considering a move into construction: I’ve spent 27 years in this industry, and I’ve never felt that being a woman has hindered my career.
“Things are changing fast, and there’s a career in construction to suit anyone, whatever their interests”
This isn’t a career I actively considered. I almost fell into it, but I wanted to work with people, and my first job ticked those boxes. I worked in an office at a manufacturer of landscaping products, taking and processing orders. I was proactive, pushing to go out and see customers, and it’s this attitude that’s helped me succeed.
Back when I started, there were only two women in this type of role – me and one other branch manager. It’s incredible how much has changed. I’ve seen a shift, especially in the past six or seven years, with more women stepping into senior roles. So many of my colleagues now are women. Some of it has happened organically, while some has come from a push to get the right person for the role regardless of gender.
More opportunities
There are more opportunities for women in construction than most realise. So many still view it as a career for men, and I think that lack of awareness is the biggest problem. Getting women through the door is the hardest part. Would I, as an 18-year-old, have looked to a builders merchant for a job? Probably not. Not because I didn’t think I was capable, but because it wasn’t presented as an option.
I now head up a large team as national sales director, working with brilliant and interesting people across the industry. Hearing more stories from women in all kinds of roles and seeing the opportunities to grow helps change the perception of construction as male-dominated. Things are changing fast, and there’s a career in construction to suit anyone, whatever their interests.
If I had to give women considering it one piece of advice, it would be to have self-belief. Self-belief and speaking out when you feel uncomfortabl are absolutely key. I’ve always spoken up. It’s important to call out behaviour that isn’t right, even if it’s just having a quiet word with a colleague.
As with any career, there will be moments when you feel out of your comfort zone, and you have to trust that you belong. I’m strong, outspoken and very Northern, but my first time on a building site still took a bit of getting used to – it can be quite intimidating. But I knew what I was talking about, and once people realised that, the respect followed. Now some of our customers regularly call me for advice.
I also want women to know that this is a career that can evolve with you. I’ve had children, taken a step back when I needed to, and returned to a senior role. That balance is possible. It’s about having the right support and the confidence to keep pushing forward. A strong community of women helps – my colleagues and I reach out to each other regularly.
If you work hard enough, you can achieve whatever you want to. My recent promotion to national sales director was a real milestone moment for me, and it’s come from working hard and growing in confidence. It doesn’t matter what your background is, if it’s really what you want to do, you can do it. Believing that you have as much right to be there as anyone else makes all the difference.
