UK construction’s overlooked talent pool: women

​​​​​​​Over the past five years, the number of women starting construction apprenticeships has increased by more than 65%

The UK construction industry faces significant workforce challenges: not enough people enter the trades, too many leave early, and diversity remains limited.

As demand for housing, infrastructure and repairs increases, the pressure to attract and retain a broader talent pool is mounting.

A quiet but essential shift is underway. More women are enrolling in construction apprenticeships; crucially, many are staying the course.

Over the past five years, the number of women starting construction apprenticeships has increased by more than 65%.

This rise represents more than statistics. It signals a chance to finally shift the demographics of a workforce that has remained unchanged for decades.

But enrolment alone is not enough. The challenge is ensuring this momentum continues and translates into long-term careers.

Women in Construction: The Power Within Her is stepping in with a clear purpose: to help women not just enter construction through apprenticeships but thrive, progress, and lead.

The organisation runs a practical, grounded programme designed to equip women with the confidence, mindset, and skills often overlooked in traditional training.

Women in Construction: The Power Within Her offers early-career training in communication, self-belief, leadership foundations, resilience, and workplace navigation.

While these elements are not technical, they are essential for long-term career success and often determine whether apprentices remain in the industry or leave.

Since 2018, the number of women completing construction apprenticeships has doubled, from about 340 to over 930.

The number of starters also rose to over 2,400. However, total apprenticeship starts in construction have dipped slightly overall, making it clear that women represent one of the most overlooked sources of talent.

If the industry fails to retain them, it risks losing thousands of skilled workers who could help meet national demand.

The UK Government has renewed its focus on apprenticeships and technical training as part of a broader growth strategy.

Women in Construction: The Power Within Her directly supports national priorities and aligns with Skills England’s strategic goals around training and regional delivery.

The programme is already active across several colleges and employers, particularly in areas with high apprenticeship uptake like the North West.

Its transparent and scalable model combines technical learning with mindset development and real-world support. The aim is not short-term enrolment but long-term transformation.

Graduates of Women in Construction: The Power Within Her are taking on leadership roles, mentoring peers, and working on initiatives around inclusion and workplace culture. Some are promoted faster than expected, and others lead staff engagement projects. This ripple effect is how genuine, sustainable change takes root.

Barriers remain. Women still face unequal pay, poor work-life balance, and outdated site cultures. But Women in Construction: The Power Within Her is not about ignoring those challenges. It equips women with the tools to navigate and overcome them.

This is not about special treatment. It is about creating equal opportunity by providing support where it's most needed. The construction door is beginning to open wider to women. Now, the focus must be on keeping it open.