Women in Construction Week 2026: Level up. Build strong

Women in Construction Week (March 1^st – 7^th) offers an important annual opportunity for the industry to shine a spotlight on the achievements, resilience and future potential of females who contribute to building the nation’s infrastructure. This year’s theme, “Level Up. Build Strong”, captures the momentum of women who are not only entering construction in greater numbers, but also reshaping leadership, innovation and opportunity across the sector.

At MSS Infrastructure (MSSI), diversity and inclusion have long been woven into the fabric of who we are and what we do. We firmly believe that the future of construction depends on empowering people from all backgrounds, including helping more women thrive in a historically male-dominated field. Working in construction is not just for men. More females are picking up a sledgehammer, breaking down barriers and smashing gender stereotypes, but, as always, more can be done.  

Why we need more women in construction

The representation of females in the UK construction workforce has been gradually increasing over the past decade. The latest  data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) shows that women made up 14.7% of the UK construction workforce in Q3 2024, compared to 303,136 women and 1.76 million men, a noticeable rise from 270,000 females in 2014. At the end of 2024, this figure rose slightly to 15.2%, reflecting modest but meaningful progress. However, the industry does experience fluctuations, with a drop to 13.6% in Q1 2024, marking a post‑Covid low, demonstrating that workforce retention remains a challenge.

Despite the upward trend, the distribution of females across roles reveals persistent structural inequalities. While female represent around 15% of the overall construction workforce, only  1 to 2% work in manual, on‑site, or skilled trades roles, where labour shortages are most acute. Most women continue to work in administrative, design, professional, or managerial roles, leaving critical operational gaps across the industry.

This disparity highlights why greater female participation in site based and technical roles is essential for long term industry sustainability, especially as the UK faces significant workforce shortages across infrastructure, housing, rail, and energy construction.

At MSSI, we are acutely aware of the skills required across infrastructure, rail, civil engineering, and specialist trades. As one of the UK’s largest specialist recruitment agencies in this sector, we have consistently supported the workforce development needed to keep Britain moving.

Industry challenges and how we’re addressing them

While progress continues, the construction industry still faces hurdles in achieving gender equality, including:

• Harassment and bias continue to affect many tradeswomen.
• Safety equipment and site facilities are not always designed with women in mind.
• Leadership opportunities remain unevenly distributed.
• Mentorship and support networks are often limited.
  
  

By highlighting these challenges, Women in Construction Week reminds us why ongoing commitment matters. At MSSI, we support inclusive hiring, celebrate the accomplishments of females across the industry, and work closely with clients to ensure fair practices and equitable working environments.

Stories from women in construction

To celebrate Women in Construction Week, we’re proud to share stories from females across MSSI who are helping shape the industry's future. These are voices of resilience, ambition, and empowerment, proof that construction is a place where women can thrive, lead, and inspire.

Jodie Watkins: Safety Critical Operative

Jodie began her journey in 2014 when her stepdad encouraged her to pursue a Level 2 apprenticeship, opening the door to a hands-on career she soon came to love. Her day starts in the access cabin, where she signs in and completes fatigue and travel checks. PPE is reviewed and logged in Sentinel before she receives or delivers the daily site safety briefing, especially when she works a COSS shift.

Working in a male-dominated, physically demanding environment was initially tough, but Jodie overcame it through teamwork and determination, proving her capability by “getting stuck in” and working as an equal alongside her peers.

What’s her advice for women entering construction?

“Don’t be afraid to get stuck in and show what you can do.”

And her bonus tip: always be prepared, especially because the nearest toilet may be a mile away!

Building a stronger future

Infrastructure is evolving rapidly, from rail upgrades to energy transitions, and a diverse workforce is essential to delivering the complex projects ahead. As MSSI continues supplying expertise to major national infrastructure schemes, including roles across rail systems, civils, E&P, and frontline labour, our mission remains clear: people first, always.

Our goal is to ensure that every woman considering a career in construction can see a clear, supported path forward. There has never been a better time to join the sector. The opportunities are real. The industry is changing. And your skills are needed.