Shaping the Future: How Ella Davies is Thriving with Gallaway Construction & CFW

Ella Davies’ journey into the construction industry exemplifies how early opportunities, guidance, and structured support can open doors for talented young women.

Ella began her experience with Gallaway Construction while studying at the University of Salford, joining the team for a three-week Quantity Surveying (QS) placement at the Grafton Centre project. During this time, she received on-site training and mentorship from project QS Rodica Matei, gaining practical insights into cost management, project planning, and construction processes.

Her dedication and enthusiasm quickly stood out, and she was offered the chance to extend her placement by another three weeks, providing further support to the QS and estimating teams. Ella also took advantage of Gallaway’s structured internal QS training, deepening her understanding of the profession and building her technical skills.

Beyond her on-site experience, Ella has actively engaged with Construction For Women programmes, including the UKREiiF Professional Development Day, as well as other CFW events, where she has networked with industry professionals and received mentorship from experienced Gallaway team members. These experiences have complemented her practical learning, giving her both professional insight and confidence.

Currently, Ella is undertaking a paid placement year with Gallaway Construction, gaining further hands-on experience while continuing to develop her skills and career in quantity surveying.

“Ella’s commitment, curiosity, and willingness to learn have been exceptional,” says Renee Preston, Founder of Construction For Women and CEO of Gallaway Construction. “Her engagement in both on-site training and CFW programmes demonstrates exactly what we aim to achieve — creating meaningful pathways for women to enter and succeed in the built environment.”

Ella’s progression highlights the impact of combining structured placements, mentorship, and professional development opportunities, illustrating how early support can help young women thrive in construction and related industries.