Why has VGC become a supporter of ‘Inspire Me’?
We know our industry is facing a skills shortage, exacerbated by Brexit and an ageing workforce. Arcadis research suggests that British construction must recruit over 400,000 people every year between now and 2021 to meet its needs.
Women make up more than half the UK population. But women make up just 13% of the total 3 million construction industry workforce, and only 1% of those work on construction sites. For every female apprentice in construction there are 56 males.
As shown by the latest McKinsey Delivering through diversity report, being more diverse makes good business sense. By encouraging more women into construction and supporting and celebrating them, we will help to attract and retain the very best talent.
Ciara Pryce, group service director, said: “We are supporting Inspire Me as part of our drive to increase women’s participation in our workforce. The industry skills shortage is obvious, and we need competent and skilled women to step forward and help us deliver exciting new infrastructure projects such as Hinkley Point and HS2.
“At VGC, we work hard to deserve our reputation for employing people for their ability to excel at their jobs, regardless of background. We focus on empowering men and women at all levels: when people feel accepted in their work environment, they are happier and more productive.
“But we know there is more to do. Our recent Women in Construction group meeting identified that among other issues, including stereotyping, the limited number of female role models in the industry is holding women back. Inspire Me will help fill that gap. It will provide a platform for some of the many talented women enjoying rewarding careers in construction to share their experiences and inspire others.”
As part of our drive to attract, recruit and retain talented women throughout the organisation, VGC is a member of NAWIC and a silver member of Women into Construction. VGC is a signatory to the FIR ‘Better for Everyone’ Commitment, and was the first labour supply company in the UK to achieve the new Ethical Labour Sourcing Standard (BES 6002: 2017).
About Inspire Me
The Construction News Inspire Me campaign aims to celebrate the careers of women in the construction industry and empower them to advance their careers to senior positions.
It will start with four major networking and mentoring events across the UK – two in London, one in Birmingham and one in Manchester. These events will offer attendees the opportunity to network, attend workshops and be inspired by women who have advanced their careers in the construction industry.
With Willmott Dixon as headline partner, VGC Group joins Mabey, NASC, Randstad and Trad Group in actively supporting the initiative to inspire women into the industry as future leaders. They will in turn help to improve the sector’s ability to succeed.
