Dandara's Brenda and Tammi set the blueprint for women in construction

Women in Construction Week marks an important celebration for both the 340,000 women now currently employed in the construction sector,[1] and the women looking to make their start in the construction world.

With 37% of new construction workers being women[2], Dandara is using this year’s Women in Construction Week to highlight the fantastic work the women in their workforce are doing to help break down gender stereotypes associated with the industry and showcase how rewarding a career in construction can be for the women involved.

One woman paving the way is Site Clerk for Dandara Jersey, Tammi McLinton (pictured), who first entered the construction workforce three and a half years ago, after spending 15 years in the leisure industry.

With no previous construction experience, Tammi explains, “I wanted to look for a new challenge. I had an interest in DIY and interior design, so when I saw Dandara Jersey was looking for a site clerk, it sparked my interest immediately!” Tammi’s role as a site clerk now also allows her to have full flexibility around looking after her children.

Tammi’s responsibilities have quickly evolved over the years, growing from general office site duties, to reading drawings, splitting up reinforcement, compiling site material and plant orders. Now, Tammi is the main contact for Dandara’s new online based quality control snagging and programme manager system.

On top of her day-to-day duties, Tammi adds, “I have also taken on the responsibility of Dandara Jersey ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) inputting, which is a very interesting subject, especially with the growing focus on sustainability and ESG initiatives.”

Speaking on the challenges she has faced as a woman in construction, Tammi comments: “The idea of working in a mainly male-dominated environment was at first a bit daunting, especially as I had no relevant experience in the sector, and I felt it may be above my comprehension, or I simply wouldn’t fit in.

“But I was soon put at ease by my line manager and the rest of the team, who have always encouraged and guided me, and I soon grew in confidence.”

Meanwhile, construction veteran and qualified Civil Engineer, Brenda Stachurski, has now been in the industry for 10 years, she has been with Dandara Jersey for the past three years—two of those as a Site Engineer, and most recently, stepping into the role of Technical Coordinator.

Brenda joined the industry having “always been curious about how things are built and the process behind them. Construction is one of those industries where every day brings something new, you’re constantly learning and facing new challenges. That’s what keeps it exciting for me.”

Brenda experienced challenges while studying for her degree in Civil Engineering, as she explains, “Not everyone was supportive. People told me that civil engineering was a ‘man’s job’ and that I would struggle to succeed.”

In turn, this affected her own mindset when it came to her career in the construction industry. But “over the years, I learned how to deal with it. I met incredible people, such as mentors, colleagues, and companies that encouraged me to stand up for myself and keep moving forward. Now, I see those challenges as fuel to push harder.”

Reflecting on Women in Construction Week, Brenda sees this week as “about creating fairness and opportunity. The construction industry thrives on diversity, and by encouraging more women to step in, we’re building a stronger, more inclusive future. Representation matters, and when women see others succeeding in the field, it sends a powerful message.”

As Women in Construction Week comes to an end with International Women’s Day on the 8th of March, Dandara hopes to continue shining a light on female voices in the industry as part of their commitment to encouraging more women and girls to consider a career in construction.

Hearing Tammi and Brenda’s success stories is testament to the industry evolving and changing over time to become a more inclusive, equitable workplace. At Dandara, we appreciate the value of fostering and supporting a diverse, innovative, and inspiring workforce.

 
[1] https://simian-risk.com/all-news/women-in-construction-week-2024-the-state-of-women-in-uk-construction/
[2] https://simian-risk.com/all-news/women-in-construction-week-2024-the-state-of-women-in-uk-construction/