To celebrate International Women’s Day this year, we wanted to highlight the successes and progression of some of the incredible women who work at CLC.
To celebrate International Women’s Day this year, we wanted to highlight the successes and progression of some of the incredible women who work at CLC. During the week we posted on LinkedIn about five of the incredible women who work for us. You can read about their stories below:
Tell us about your role:
Olivia Craven, National Accounts Project Coordinator, Walsall:
After a big move from my hometown in North Yorkshire down to Shropshire, I took the role of administrator as temporary maternity cover. Little did I know at the time how much I would love my role and CLC colleagues and I worked towards increasing my skills and knowledge to become promoted to National Accounts project coordinator and secure a permanent role. I have now been with CLC for over 5 years.
Toni Merrick, Trainee Contracts Manager, Leeds:
I started my role as an Apprentice Administrator for the Leeds branch in 2017. Working at CLC and gaining experience with dealing with suppliers and subcontractors piqued my interest in the work being delivered on-site and out of the office. This has led me to go into the role of a Trainee Contracts Manager.
Abigail Pollard, Trainee Contracts Manager, Leeds:
I started in a customer service-based role as a Tenant Liaison Officer nearly 5 years ago and realised I wanted to have more involvement with the day to day dealings of activities on sites. I started to have a more hands on approach to assisting site supervisors/managers and subcontractors which led to CLC putting me through a SSSTS course and then becoming a Trainee Contracts Manager.
Tracey Kell, Gas Engineer, Catterick:
I trained to be a Gas Engineer due to a considerable life changing event (Divorce) on top of that we had COVID. My previous business was the Taxi trade. I needed to become qualified in something I thought I would enjoy, but I had limited time and money, so I chose Gas Engineer, the direct route.
Kristy Parr, Branch Manager, Plymouth:
I manage the Plymouth branch covering the Devon and Cornwall area. I started in construction as a Resident Liaison Officer, during which time I became interested and involved in the operational delivery and management of the sites. This led me to actively seek the training, knowledge, and experience to continuously progress.
Why did you want to work in the construction industry?
Olivia Craven, National Accounts Project Coordinator, Walsall:
Coming from a design and interior background, I loved the idea of working on hotel refurbishments. Although only starting in an admin position, I have gradually become more involved in learning all about the behind the scenes of refurbishments from start to finish.
Tracey Kell, Gas Engineer, Catterick:
I am a very practical person but also wanted the challenge of something new, something that isn’t always repetitive day in and day out, something that’s not just practical but can challenge you to problem solve too.
What are your career goals & ambitions?
Kristy Parr, Branch Manager, Plymouth:
I would like to continue to grow our Plymouth branch and be a positive role model for women in construction.
Tracey Kell, Gas Engineer, Catterick:
I am 52 this year so I have achieved quite a few goals in my other roles, at my age being happy at work is my goal and I am achieving that pretty much every day.
How has CLC helped support you in your career progression?
Abigail Pollard, Trainee Contracts Manager, Leeds:
CLC has been really supportive of my progression, CLC has put me on many training courses to help grow my knowledge within the industry. Darren Randerson, the Leeds branch manager has been extremely supportive of my progression and saw the potential in me to progress from being a Tenant Liaison Officer to a Trainee Contracts Manager.
Toni Merrick, Trainee Contracts Manager, Leeds:
Darren (Leeds Branch Manager) & CLC have done nothing but encourage and support me through my career progression from an Administrator to becoming a Trainee Contracts Manager. I have been put through my SMSTS and recently completed my HNC in Construction and the Built Environment alongside an apprenticeship completing Construction Design & Build Technician.
What would you say to other women looking to get into the industry?
Olivia Craven, National Accounts Project Coordinator, Walsall:
Don’t be intimidated by the thought of the construction industry only being for men. There are lots of women in construction and there are lots of exciting and rewarding opportunities for us!
Kristy Parr, Branch Manager, Plymouth:
I would encourage any women considering it, to do it. As with anything, the first step is always the hardest, but construction will offer you a variety of opportunities to progress in a challenging, supportive, and rewarding environment.
What changes would you like to see within the industry?
Toni Merrick, Trainee Contracts Manager, Leeds:
I would love to see a bigger push on apprenticeships in schools and colleges as I have completed two apprenticeships, and I am now in a management role without going to university. Apprenticeships are the best of both worlds, gaining valuable experience and knowledge whilst earning a wage.
Abigail Pollard, Trainee Contracts Manager, Leeds:
I hope to see a bigger push for women to join the industry and try and break the stigma that construction is a male dominated industry. In nearly 5 years in the industry, I have seen more and more women join and thrive in their roles and hope this continues.
We are proud of our workforce and encourage applications from all sectors of the community. CLC is dedicated to removing any barriers to employment in the construction industry for underrepresented and disadvantaged groups. Chelcey Douglas from our HR department had this to say about the industry’s recruitment challenges and what CLC do to promote a diverse workforce:
CLC Group prides itself on a fair and inclusive recruitment process. With the construction industry facing recruitment challenges, CLC is keen to further explore other candidate pools, and these plans include attracting more females, this will also help to create a more diverse workforce. We create gender neutral policies, job descriptions, and vacancy advertisements with equality as the main objective. We also provide internal training to management at all levels to ensure success within the roles they secure. We are already seeing the benefits of employing women in senior and leadership roles and look forward to making sure this continues throughout the rest of the company.
Our Social Value Manager, Terri Walker, attends school and career events across the country with the aim of encouraging young people to consider a career in construction. Female students who take an interest in STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) might not realise the possibilities that are open to them in the industry.
I am passionate about empowering women in the construction industry, and fortunately, my role allows me to do so. During my visits to schools and colleges in our communities, I can inspire young women from the beginning. Given the wide range of career opportunities available in this field, we must take such steps to challenge the notion that construction is exclusively for men. – Terri Walker