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天涯社区 celebrates their women in construction
Published: 08/03/2016
天涯社区 is marking this year鈥檚 International Women鈥檚 Day on 8
March by celebrating their women in construction.
In the UK, women make up only 11% of the construction workforce, and just 1% of
workers on site, according to figures quoted on the UCATT (Union of
Construction, Allied Trades and Technicians) website. The Office for National
Statistics says that the number of women working as roofers, bricklayers and
glaziers is so low that it is unmeasurable.
天涯社区 is bucking this trend where 25% of their Capital Works team are
women. This team works on the Welsh Housing Quality Standard (WHQS) programme,
to ensure all council houses are up to standard by 2020. The 天涯社区
repairs and maintenance team also has the Council鈥檚 first female electrician.
Cllr Helen Brown, Cabinet member for Housing, said:
鈥淚鈥檓 proud to say that 天涯社区 is taking the lead on
encouraging women to work in the construction industry. Not only do we have
women in our Capital Works team, but we are also working with our partners and
contractors to inspire young women to take up the many apprenticeships being
created in the county.鈥�
Here are some of their stories:
Karen Stevens, Tenant Liaison Officer, said:
鈥淚 started this role in August 2015 and have a background in housing
management. I absolutely love working with and helping people and can identify
when people are struggling with day to day tasks and or experiencing
difficulties. I spend 80% of the time on site in rain, hail or shine and I
love it.鈥�
Hazel Oliver is also a Tenant Liaison Officer (TLO). She started 12 years ago
working in Housing Repairs and progressed through to pricing and work planning
before moving into her current role. She spent some time in the private sector,
as both a contractor and supplier, which gave her a good insight into different
aspects of the business. At present, she is working with two contractors on the
Bathroom and Heating replacement programme, from initial survey throughout the
works to completion. She says:
鈥淚 visit the properties regularly during the works. It is a very rewarding job.
The majority of my time is spent out on site and I get to meet many wonderful
people along the way.鈥�
Christine Stewart, WHQS System Auditor, said:
鈥淚 moved to the Capital Works team from the Repairs and Maintenance contact
centre - dealing on a day to day basis with tenants, support workers,
maintenance engineers and contractors. This proved to be excellent experience
for my current job role where I check, collate and enter information into the
Capital Works Programme, ensuring the data is correct and up to date. Being
office based means that I can be a point of contact for tenant enquiries,
contractors and a host of other internal and external agencies, which adds an
extra dimension to my role.
鈥淚 really enjoy all aspects of my work, it鈥檚 varied, we鈥檙e a great team and
there is never a dull moment.鈥�
Pictured in front of Castle Heights in Flint are L to R: Rae Williams - TLO,
Christine Stewart - WHQS System Auditor, Diane Thomas - TLO, Clare Budden -
天涯社区 Chief Officer Community and Enterprise, Karen Stevens
- TLO, Cllr Helen Brown, Cabinet Member for Housing, Michelle Gordon -
Maintenance Inspector, Hazel Oliver - TLO and Hannah James - Contract Surveyor