Today we're raising awareness of the various different roles available for women within the construction industry that you may not have considered! Abbie Harrop (right) and Chloe-Leigh Preston (left) are our internal marketing gurus and look after everything from social media and website content to community liaison newsletters and social value initiatives. Have a read of their experiences as women in construction below.

How long have you been in your current role?

Abbie: I joined Howard Civil Engineering two years ago but was promoted from Marketing Executive to Marketing and Social Media Manager last summer.

Chloe-Leigh: I'm a very new member of the team - I only started as a Marketing Administration Apprentice two weeks ago!

What brought you to Howard Civil Engineering?

Abbie: I was looking for a marketing role in a company that would both support me in my professional development and allow me to make the role my own. The fact that Howard Civil Engineering was a construction company never flagged up as something that could potentially deter me as a woman – everyone I had interacted with prior to accepting the role had been extremely professional and friendly.

Chloe-Leigh: I wanted to pursue an apprenticeship in marketing, but I’d never considered construction as an industry I might want to go into. I came across Howard Civil Engineering and I was taken aback by how much they do for their communities and how much they dedicate to social value. I also love the fact that I get to go out on site to see the progress that is being made on our projects and learn about the different methods of construction.

What advice would you give to women entering the industry?

Abbie: I’d echo Sophie’s comments and say don’t be intimidated by the fact that construction is a male-dominated industry. Be confident in your knowledge and experience - you were hired for a reason!

Chloe-Leigh: I’ve only been here two weeks, but in my experience, I think confidence is definitely key!

How do you think being a woman has benefitted your role?

Abbie: My background as an English and History graduate, subjects which are primarily taken by women, could not be further from my peers’ backgrounds which are primarily in construction. I’ll admit this made things a little daunting at first, but the skills I practiced throughout my education now enable me to offer different perspectives and solutions to problems which my colleagues may not have considered.

Chloe-Leigh: It's too early to say at the moment - ask me again next year!