Two women with diverse backgrounds in construction have gained valuable on-site experience after completing placements with us through the Home Builders Federation’s (HBF) Women into Home Building programme.
Launched in 2023, the programme offers online training followed by a two-week placement, giving women practical exposure to the roles involved in building new homes.
Samira Rahimi, from Crosby, joined the programme to gain an insight into site management and research her next career move.
With an MSc in Architecture and an MSc in Construction Project Management, alongside previous roles as an architect and CAD technician, Samira wanted to build on her existing skills and background.
“I really wanted to experience the role of a site manager in real life,” she explained. “That was the main reason I applied, so I could understand the job properly and see if it’s the right path for me.”
During her placement, Samira took on the role of trainee site manager, shadowing site manager Neil Bailey at Priory Gardens in Burscough. She joined daily site walks, monitored progress and observed a wide range of construction stages, from foundations and brickwork to roofing, plastering and inspections.
“Everyone was very open and supportive,” Samira said. “They explained their roles clearly and helped me understand different career paths so I could decide what suits me best.”
Samira hopes more women will explore careers in home building. She added: “If you’re interested in any area of construction, I honestly recommend joining this programme,” she said. “You get real exposure, meet people across the business, and see the industry from the inside. It helps you understand your strengths and what direction you’d like to take.”
Fiona McCann completed her placement across two of our developments – Summers Bridge in Deeside and Deva Green in Chester. Having worked in construction for many years, she joined the programme to gain local industry insight and build a network of connections.
She said: “I applied to the programme to gain industry contacts in the area I’ve recently relocated to and to help me get back into full-time work within the construction sector now that both of my children are in school. It’s a fantastic opportunity to connect with local professionals in the field, while building practical experience and confidence in construction.”
The experience has broadened Fiona’s existing awareness of the different careers within home building outside of site management.
She added: “I’ve met skilled tradespeople and specialists whose careers I hadn’t previously considered. It’s given me a deeper appreciation of how many pathways into construction exist and inspired me to explore opportunities I might not have thought about before such as Building Control inspection.
“The programme has reinforced that home building is a dynamic and rewarding industry with exciting opportunities for women.”
Lauren Humphreys, head of HR at Anwyl Homes, said: “The Women into Home Building programme is a brilliant scheme and we’re proud to have supported Fiona and Samira on their placements. Encouraging more women into site management and construction careers is vital for strengthening the industry’s future workforce and we’re delighted to play our part in opening up these opportunities.”
For more on building a career with us visit https://careers.anwyl.co.uk/.
To learn more about the Women into Home Building programme, visit www.hbf.co.uk/wihb.
