Our Story
Our Vision and Mission
Construction for Women was founded in 2024 with a simple but powerful belief: the construction industry is stronger when women are part of it. For too long, women have faced barriers to entry, limited opportunities, and a lack of visible role models. We set out to change that.
What began as a platform to shine a light on women in construction has grown into a movement to create real, lasting change. Through mentorship, training, work placements, and taster sessions, we connect women with the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to thrive. But our story is about more than programmes—it’s about challenging stereotypes, opening doors, and building a future where women are not just participants in the industry, but leaders shaping it.
At Construction for Women, we’re proud to stand alongside our partners, advocates, and trailblazers to drive a more inclusive, diverse, and sustainable construction sector—one that reflects the talent and potential of everyone who dreams of building it.
Our Founder
Renée Preston
Founder of Construction For Women and CEO of Gallaway Construction
Renee Preston is the visionary founder of Construction for Women (CFW) and CEO of Gallaway Construction, recognised nationally as one of the Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction. With a deep commitment to driving change, Renee launched CFW as a response to the construction industry’s growing skills gap—creating a platform dedicated to training, mentoring, and outreach for women and underrepresented groups.
As a prominent keynote speaker, advisor, and advocate, Renee champions inclusive site access, social mobility, and early talent development. She is actively lobbying for policy reform to allow younger students access to construction sites—tackling the UK’s NEETs crisis and promoting practical, hands-on learning as a powerful and inclusive route into the industry.
Renee’s work continues to challenge outdated norms, opening doors for the next generation and reshaping the future of construction—one opportunity at a time.
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Our Mission
Building Women's Futures
Our mission is to create accessible, equitable pathways for women to succeed in construction.
We break down systemic and cultural barriers through hands-on training, mentoring, and real employment opportunities. Our programmes are designed with industry needs in mind—delivering both hard and soft skills that get women site-ready and into work.
From schools to prisons, from first jobs to leadership, we meet women where they are and help them move forward. We partner with employers, educators, and community leaders to create lasting change—not just for individuals, but for the industry as a whole.
This is about more than workforce inclusion. It's about building a stronger, more diverse sector—where women can lead, innovate, and shape the future of construction.
BUILDING WOMEN'S FUTURES
Our Core Pillars
The Foundations of Everything We Do
At Construction For Women, our work is built on four core pillars. These aren’t just values—they’re the framework that guides every programme, partnership, and opportunity we create.
Our pillars reflect the lived experiences of women in construction, addressing the barriers they face while responding to the skills and talent needs of the industry. They ensure that everything we do is both supportive for individuals and transformative for the sector as a whole.
Together, these pillars drive lasting impact: opening doors, building confidence, and helping women not only enter construction but succeed and lead within it.
Opening the Door to Opportunity
We believe that every woman deserves the chance to explore and succeed in construction, regardless of her background. From outreach in schools and colleges to engagement with prison leavers and career changers, our programmes are designed to break down barriers and open new pathways into the industry.
By providing fully funded initiatives and multiple routes of entry, we ensure construction is accessible, visible, and inclusive — giving women the opportunity to take their first step into a career they may never have considered.
Building the Tools for Success
Access alone isn’t enough — women need the right skills and confidence to thrive. Through training programmes, industry-led taster days, employability workshops, and mentorship, we equip women with both the technical and professional capabilities to succeed in a rapidly evolving sector.
Our focus goes beyond qualifications. We nurture practical experience, transferable skills, and personal development — building the foundation for long-term, fulfilling careers.
Creating Pathways Into Employment
We bridge the gap between ambition and employment by connecting women directly with employers, placements, and industry opportunities. Our partnerships with leading contractors, developers, and sector organisations ensure that women aren’t just trained — they’re placed, supported, and empowered to thrive in real roles.
By combining employability support with access to a national network of industry connections, we turn potential into tangible career opportunities.
Driving Change in the Industry
Lasting impact comes from more than supporting individuals — it requires transforming the system. We work with employers, policymakers, and industry leaders to advocate for equality, diversity, and inclusion across the built environment.
From influencing recruitment practices and workplace culture to sponsoring awards and leading campaigns, we amplify women’s voices and champion industry-wide change. Our advocacy ensures that today’s progress becomes tomorrow’s standard.
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Get Involved
Find out how you can take part — whether by joining a programme, becoming a mentor, or supporting our outreach events.
What We Do
Learn about how we're shaping a more diverse and equitable future for the construction industry
Support Us
Discover the various ways that you can support our cause and help us build women's future's
Women in Construction
Despite progress, women remain severely underrepresented across the industry. With only 13.6% of the workforce being women—and just 2% working on-site—construction is still one of the most male-dominated sectors in the UK. Recent trends show a troubling decline in women’s employment, underlining the urgent need to attract, retain, and advance women across all levels of the industry.
A Minority in Industry - The 13.6% Reality
Women make up just 13.6% of the construction workforce, and only 2% work on-site. Since June 2023, women’s employment has fallen 17.3%—far more than men’s—showing the urgent need to attract, retain, and advance women in the industry.
Understanding The Pay Gap
Women in construction earn on average 12.7% less than men—just below the national average—but the median pay gap in the sector is 16.8%, notably higher than the national figure. This disparity highlights the ongoing need for pay equity across all roles.
Understanding Workplace Bias
Nearly 9 in 10 women in construction report experiencing perceived gender discrimination, with many citing barriers such as limited female leadership, lack of role models, and unequal access to opportunities. Many companies still have no women in senior roles, and almost half do not monitor pay equality. These figures highlight the systemic challenges that continue to affect women’s progression, representation, and retention in the sector.
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Industry Issues
The UK construction sector faces mounting pressures that extend beyond gender inequality. Skills shortages, an ageing workforce, declining interest in construction careers, rising demand for projects, and the impact of new technologies are reshaping the industry. To meet these challenges, it is vital to attract, train, and retain a more diverse talent pipeline—including women, young people, and underrepresented groups.
Labour & Skills Shortages
The UK construction workforce has fallen from 2.6 million in 2008 to 2.1 million in 2024, with retirements outpacing replacements.
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31% of employers struggle to recruit skilled staff
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Emerging technologies widen the skills gap
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Incoming workers often lack the experience of those leaving
Rising Demand for Construction Projects
Even as the workforce shrinks, demand continues to grow. Sectors such as private housing, infrastructure, and repair/maintenance are expanding rapidly. The industry will need 937,000 new recruits over the next decade, including 244,000 apprenticeships.
Declining Interest in Construction Roles
Young people are less likely than ever to view construction as a viable career:
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Only 5% of students consider construction
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Apprenticeships are at their lowest level since 2010
This threatens the pipeline of future talent at a time when fresh skills and perspectives are most needed.
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