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Growth in female participation

Feb 17, 2021

Figures show female participation in the building construction industry has increased by 21% over 2020. As of last November 2020 labour market figures show women now make up 14% of the building and construction industry growing from 11% at the same time in 2019.

While all sectors of the industry have seen growth in participation rates the most significant change has occurred in the Civil Engineering sector with participation of females in this sector growing a massive 79.1%.

Building construction now employs over 62,000 women making up 18.8% of the sector adding 16,746 jobs over the period.  The construction services sector provides the largest number of roles for females employing over 82,000 women.

Figures show women are increasingly looking at the construction industry as a career pathway attracted by the above average salaries on offer and the flexibility the industry affords for women.

Female Employment by construction industry segment – August 2020