Here at Turnbull & Co, we want to celebrate women! This year’s International Women’s Day theme is ‘Break the Bias’ which we believe is very fitting for the construction industry.
Women make up 23% of our workforce and we want that percentage to rise. We know that the construction industry is still very much dominated by men. This year for International Women’s Day, we have decided to show off our female workforce and have given a few of them the opportunity to tell us a little bit about what they love about being a woman in construction.
Jess – Counter Trader
What’s your favourite thing about your job at Turnbull?
Every day is different; I learn something new from different plumbers/engineers every day. They are always happy to stand and teach me new things, show me new parts of a boiler, how a pump works or how a flush valve fits into a cistern. Every day is a school day. You never stop learning.
What do you enjoy about working in the construction industry?
I am always laughing; everybody makes me feel so comfortable. It is like a breakfast club sometimes in the morning with the same faces which is lovely, we have a chat and a laugh before they start their day. Everybody makes mistakes but even when I do, I’m not made to feel silly or embarrassed – I learn with the plumber or engineer, and I know for next time.
Why should women join the construction industry?
I think it can be quite daunting to be a part of a ‘man’s world’ which ultimately this industry is. I have had many customers say to me ‘It’s nice to see a young girl behind the counter of a place like this but it isn’t as scary as it may seem. It is the best place I have worked and wouldn’t change it.
Which other women inspire you?
Every woman goes through their own battles and makes it through the other end which is inspiring enough; my mum has always and will always be my biggest inspiration. She is registered disabled but always has a smile on her face and never lets anything get her down.
Katie – Accounts Manager
What’s your favourite thing about your job at Turnbull?
I am very fortunate that my role is so varied, each day is different which keeps it incredibly interesting. I love the relationships that you build with so many different people and the range of projects that I am a part of. I have the ability to add ideas as part of the process, so there is the opportunity to be creative too. Each day is different!
What do you enjoy about working in the construction industry?
The build process has interested me for a long time, and I really enjoy being part of the whole process. I get involved at the beginning and see it right through to completion, I absolutely love seeing the plans manifest in the beautiful homes that we see at the end. It definitely gives you house envy!
Why should women join the construction industry?
I don’t think there is an industry that women shouldn’t join! Everyone brings their own ideas and own skillset to the roles. There are a lot of opportunities for women in the industry, and I think it is great that you are seeing more women involved in a male-dominated environment.
Which other women inspire you?
There are a lot of women that inspire me. I was raised by strong women, a passionate, family-orientated Grandma, a hardworking single mum who posed as both parents (what is more inspirational than that?!) and am now surrounded by some incredible female friends who all inspire me in different ways.
Lisa – Branch Administrator
What’s your favourite thing about your job at Turnbull?
I really enjoy my job working at Turnbull, as every day is different in some way, I enjoy the busy environment that we work in, the days/weeks go so quick. I enjoy working closely with my work colleges and customers, there is always plenty to do, never a dull moment. I enjoy coming to work.
What do you enjoy about working in the construction industry?
Working in the construction industry is a job that you are always learning new things. There is always some knowledge to learn and things to improve on.
Why should women join the construction industry?
Women should be able and encouraged to join the construction industry if that is the job they wish to have. They shouldn’t be put off as it is mainly a ‘male industry’. Women can work just as well as men, just in a different way.
Which other women inspire you?
Victoria Beckham is my ultimate favourite independent woman. She is stylish, classy, and stunning. She is a singer, song writer, fashion designer, tv personality and she’s married to the one and only David Beckham to top it all off!!! She has it all.
Phoebe – Trainee Kitchen and Bathroom Sales Designer
What’s your favourite thing about your job at Turnbull?
My favourite thing about working at Turnbull is every day is different! I get to meet a variety of people whether it be on the trade side or retail. I also love being part of transforming people’s kitchens and going through the process with each of my customers, seeing the final designs in real life is always a bonus!
What do you enjoy about working in the construction industry?
I trained in the ‘Built Environment’ sector in university due to always having a desire and passion to work within the industry in some way. I love to see other women being part of the industry with me, to break the stereotypes of women in construction.
Why should women join the construction industry?
I think it’s important for any woman who is interested in being involved in the industry to go for it! I always find it really empowering to share my knowledge and opinions on-site and see them be respected by others.
Which other women inspire you?
Emma Watson is the leading feminist in the UN, raising awareness about violence and discrimination women face, doing this all while filming and working. She is a role model to many young women within our society, advocating for women’s rights through setting up her own campaign HeForShe.
Olivia – Group Showroom Manager
What’s your favourite thing about your job at Turnbull?
Every day is different, you don’t know who is going to walk through the door, who is going to call you/ email you. The customer satisfaction you get when you have helped someone create their dream kitchen/bathroom and being thanked for what you do is great to hear. You are personally recommended to new and existing customers, which reinforces that you know what you are doing.
What do you enjoy about working in the construction industry?
In the nicest way possible, I love being a woman in a male dominate industry. Being able to talk to people and knowing your products & processes inside out is something I often take for granted, in construction knowledge is definitely power and I feel this has helped me to gain the trust of a wider customer base as they can come into a sector expecting to deal with a man and ( I hope) get pleasantly surprised when dealing with women.
Why should other women join the construction industry?
The construction industry is such a wide industry to be in, one minute we are out on-site in our boots and high vis and the next we are in the showroom dealing with clients and helping them pick their forever kitchens. There are so many varied jobs available, and I believe that the possibilities are endless. It is always a busy place to be and you have to be able to be versatile and throw yourself into anything
Which other women inspire you?
My Mum!! She is an amazing person and will do anything to help anyone, she is very kind and caring and is her own boss, which is an attribute that I admire. She works very hard and puts 110% effort into everything she does and if anyone knows her, she is an all-rounder at cooking and baking! My sister also inspires me with her confidence and her ability to get up and talk to anyone at the age of 18, I am also very proud to work for a family business that is seeing the number of women joining the company increasing every year!
Sophie – Accounts Manager
What’s your favourite thing about your job at Turnbull?
With the variety, I get to meet so many great people across the county and work on some fabulous projects, no day is the same!
What do you enjoy about working in the construction industry?
The whole end to end process. Seeing a set of plans and then working alongside the developer until they’re handing the keys over or completing a scheme is so satisfying & super interesting seeing and learning all aspects of the build. I also love a challenge and construction is renowned for throwing plenty of challenges our way!
Why should women join the construction industry?
Women have a whole host of skills that suit the industry and perhaps don’t realise it. We still have such a long way to go and need to continue breaking down barriers and gender stereotypes, not only for ourselves right now to enable us to have a fair and prosperous workplace, but for the generations to come. If women continue to make these positive changes and join the construction industry it will only benefit us moving forward.
Which other women inspire you?
All women inspire me for various reasons, but I have a special group of girlfriends, some who work full time, some who are raising families, some who work part-time and some who work from home! They’re all unique, strong, hardworking, and determined women who want the best for themselves and their families and I take great inspiration from all of them. Sometimes you just need to look around you and the circle that you have, and you have the support and inspiration you will always need.
