Accelerating action: Inspiring more women into construction through degree apprenticeships

To mark International Women's Day, Alice, a quantity surveyor apprentice with ARU, shares her advice for women considering a career in construction.

Construction has long been perceived as a male-dominated industry, but women like Alice are changing that narrative. As an Assistant Commercial Manager at Mace and studying her Quantity Surveyor Apprenticeship at ARU, Alice is proving that talent and determination can break barriers. On International Women’s Day 2025, as we embrace the theme Accelerate Action, Alice shares her journey and advice for women considering a career in construction.

What inspired you to pursue a career in construction, and how did you get started?
I knew from an early age that I wanted to work in construction, specifically as a quantity surveyor. At just eight years old, I was obsessed with building structures and knocking on walls to figure out their build-up. When my mum built her own house when I was 15, I spent as much time as I could on site, learning everything I could. That experience cemented my ambition.

However, my journey wasn’t straightforward. Entering a male-dominated industry came with its challenges, but that only made me more determined to achieve my goals. I started by studying a BTEC Level 3 in Construction at college, gaining hands-on experience through work placements and a part-time job in the industry. Those connections led to full-time employment – and the rest is history!

Why did you choose a degree apprenticeship?
A degree apprenticeship allows me to study part-time while working full-time, meaning I can earn while I learn without taking a pay cut. My day-to-day work directly contributes to my studies, making learning more practical and relevant. Plus, working alongside other apprentices helps me build valuable connections and learn from others in similar roles.

What has been the most exciting or rewarding project you've worked on so far?
My first project with Mace was a library in my hometown, a space that will benefit the local community. Seeing a familiar building deconstructed and transformed into something for future generations has been incredibly rewarding.

Now, I’m working on a Grade II Listed building designed by Sir Denys Lasdun. It’s much larger in cost and scale, and as a fan of Brutalist architecture, it’s an exciting challenge.

What would you say to women considering a career in construction but feeling uncertain?
Go for it! There is so much support for women in construction. If you’re unsure, ask yourself what’s holding you back? Reach out to women in the industry, ask questions, and network. LinkedIn is a fantastic tool, and groups like Women in Construction Anglia provide great support.

How do degree apprenticeships help more women get into construction careers?
Degree apprenticeships make careers in construction more accessible. They allow women to gain qualifications without committing to full-time study, taking on student debt, or sacrificing financial independence. Plus, they offer a good salary, practical experience, and a balanced quality of life. For me, that means still having time for friends, my dog, and home life.

What needs to be done to accelerate gender diversity in construction?
We need to increase visibility of women in construction. Outdated perceptions still exist, but by celebrating and showcasing women’s achievements, we can inspire future generations. While initiatives like Women in Construction Week are great, we should aim for a future where it’s normal – not unusual – for women to be in construction.

Currently, it’s expected for men to enter this industry, but not women. That has to change.

What advice would you give to women looking to break into the industry and make an impact?
Be persistent and speak up when faced with challenges. If something isn’t right, take action and make your voice heard. It may take time to change perceptions, but every step forward counts.

What would you say to your younger self about choosing this career path?
Don’t give up! You’ll face challenges, and people may tell you that you ‘can’t’ – but you can. Believe in yourself, and others will believe in you too.

Accelerating change together

Alice’s story highlights how degree apprenticeships are accelerating action for gender diversity in construction, making it easier for women to enter and thrive in the industry. If you're interested in a career in construction, explore ARU’s built environment degree apprenticeships and take your first step toward an exciting future.

Share your thoughts – what action can we take to encourage more women into construction? #InternationalWomensDay #AccelerateAction #WomenInConstruction #DegreeApprenticeships #BuildYourFuture