Women in Construction Week is an annual event that takes place in the first week of March (2nd-8th), coinciding with International Women’s Day, celebrating the contributions and achievements of women in the construction industry. The week also advocates for gender equality within an industry that has been historically male driven, but with women making up 15% of the construction workforce the number is steadily growing with 37% of new workers being women .
To challenge this historical view, we are shining a spotlight on Natasha Fertnig, a Trainee Site Manager for Dandara, whose journey into the construction industry exemplifies the growing role of women in a traditionally male dominated field.
Previously a Sales Executive in the new homes industry, Natasha developed a strong passion for construction. She comments: “I love seeing a site come to life, from initial drawings and plans to complete homes. I’m enjoying learning so much about the finer details of that process! One of the things I’ve noticed and appreciated is that no two days are the same in construction – the role is so varied and rewarding.”
Since joining Dandara, Natasha’s day to day responsibilities are integral to the smooth progress of construction projects. From ensuring walkways are aligned with the current traffic management plan to monitoring housekeeping and making sure trades have the latest revision drawings, she plays a key role in maintaining site safety and organisation."
As part of her ongoing professional development, Natasha is pursuing an NVQ Level 4 in Site Supervision and will soon complete her first aid and fire marshal training, which will provide her with the qualifications and hands-on experience necessary to continue growing in her career.
Natasha adds: “Joining Dandara has been a great decision, it’s so nice to be a part of a company that has strong growth plans yet holds good values at the forefront!”
Dandara prides itself on supporting all genders in their decision to begin a career in construction and strives to make the industry more inclusive. Diversity within construction helps foster innovation, with different genders bringing unique perspectives, benefiting the industry as a whole.
By celebrating Natasha, we hope to inspire more women to pursue their interest in a career in construction and show that there are no limits to what can be achieved in this field.
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