Spotlight: Charlotte - M&J Evans
We wanted to shine a light on the inspiring female professionals who play an integral role in Construction during the 25th Anniversary of Women In Construction Week. Through interviews, we asked key questions about their accomplishments and what lies ahead for women in the industry, showcasing just how much is possible within this space!
Recently, we had the pleasure of aiding Charlotte Bailey with her job search and successfully finding a great fit for her. She is now enjoying employment at M&J Evans working as a Health, Safety & Environmental Advisor.
We asked Charlotte:
Tell us a little about your history in the Construction industry?
“I have been working in the construction industry for 5 years, it wasn’t planned or something I thought of doing when I was young, I sort of just fell into it. At 16 I was working as an Office Administrator which I did for 12 months and whilst enjoying my time it made me realise I didn’t want to be sitting behind a desk 9-5, it just wasn’t for me.
I decided I wanted a more active job, so I completed a 2-year apprenticeship in mechanical engineering, which my placement put me into a construction company under the HSQE Manager. The company completed cladding, metal/brick façades, fixings, and powder coating works. From there I have then worked for a piling company that did sheet and CFA piles, and now currently working for a groundworks & civil engineering company.
I went from a HSQE apprentice to trainee HSE Advisor to now a qualified HSE Advisor, with my job role to advise and support my region in improving overall safety performance. To achieve this my role carries out completing safety inspections, inductions, safety stand down days, working alongside Managers/Supervisors, interaction with clients, completion of audits and review of management systems.
The construction industry is constantly changing in many ways, from opportunities provided with existing construction companies and new business ventures such as HS2 growing an improved and more inviting platform for women working in construction across the UK. Standards on sites are improving day by day with training and knowledge skill sets excelling.”
What has been your most rewarding experience since joining the Construction industry?
“My most rewarding experience since joining the construction industry is most likely completing my NEBOSH General Certificate coming out with a distinction. But more than this is to get to where I am, as a women in construction and be qualified in what I do through fairness, equality and inclusion.”
Tell us how you started your career in Construction and what attracted you to join the industry?
“As previously mentioned, I completed an apprenticeship in mechanical engineering, there was no thought of going into the construction industry as I could have been in any placement within any industry, but in my case it did end up being construction.
I became attracted to the industry and decided to stay in construction because it is an industry that will keep growing and it will always be needed in all kind of aspects and the skills/knowledge that can be gained becomes transferrable to multiple industries.
The experience and knowledge gained will allow me to travel and have the possibility to work in different countries if I decided I wanted to do this, especially with my IOSH qualifications that are internationally recognised.”
What do you think are some of the advantages of being a woman in the construction industry?
“The advantage of being a woman in the construction industry is that it is changing the culture, showing that women can thrive in what is seen as a typical ‘male’ role and a male dominated environment/industry.
A male dominated industry can create what feels like a mould, but women do not need to break the mould or feel like there is a mould to break, as they stand equally in all roles and industries. Women can be powerful influencers and can gain recognition in any position they want to, just the same as men do.
Another advantage is being able to help others, some find it easier to seek guidance/talk to women over men.”
What do you find are the biggest challenges working within the construction industry?
“You can automatically get judged and questioned on your knowledge and at times not being taken seriously, with opinions overlooked. That is certainly how it feels sometimes.”
What advice would you give other women who are considering entering the industry?
“If you are considering on entering the construction industry, in some ways you must be headstrong and thick skinned.
However, you must remember that everyone faces challenges in their job, being younger, older, experienced, inexperienced or coming from a different industry, you just must keep learning and gaining knowledge and experience until you are comfortable and when/if put to question you can answer it.
But also remember not everyone knows everything and it’s okay to ask questions, because once you ask a question and have the answer, you’ll know then for next time.”
What is next for you in your career?
“Next for me in my career is to complete my NEBOSH Diploma and progress to HSE Manager. Continue to develop my knowledge within the construction industry and help support other women join the industry and empower women in construction.”
Heath, Safety and Environmental Advisor
I have been working within the construction industry for the past 5 years and looking forward to seeing what the next 5 years hold.
