Women in construction – Dekko strive for more gender equality in the workplace

August 10, 2020

What percentage of women work in construction in the UK?

The construction industry is a notoriously male-dominated sector. The latest figures show that in 2019, only 13% of construction roles were filled by women. In the glazing industry, the lack of female representation is equally low. Female workers tend to occupy administrative office-based roles with very few in senior management and even fewer working as window installers and fabricators.

How do you get women into construction? | Changing industry perceptions

At Dekko, we’re attempting to buck this trend and demonstrate that women play an essential part in the future of the glazing industry. Two of our six strong senior management team are female, and we employ a diverse manufacturing workforce, including many female employees.

Whether you’re male or female, at Dekko, you will always be given the same opportunities to progress your career. Sales Director at Dekko, Kurt Greatrex is determined to champion women’s role in the glazing industry stating: “All our female employees play an integral part in Dekko’s manufacturing process on the factory floor to ensure that all orders are met on time.”

Kurt has high expectations from all his workforce and believes that the glazing industry is currently undergoing a massive evolution both in terms of technology and attitude: “Our factory team are all experts in manufacturing. They use the latest machinery and manufacturing techniques to create high end fenestration products. A diverse workforce allows the best talent to rise to the top, regardless of gender, and that’s the way it should be – and the way it is at Dekko.”

Diversifying the workforce to meet the skills shortage

The UK construction industry is a huge and important part of the national economy. It generates over £110 billion every year, accounting for 7% of GDP. Around 3 million people work in construction equating to 10% of all UK employment.

Please note, these figures were recorded before the Covid-19 pandemic so will have changed. Nevertheless, the point that the construction industry is an important part of the economy is still valid.

Across the construction industry, however, there is a huge skills shortage. Massive technological advancements are shaping the sector, including new ways of designing, building and becoming more environmentally aware. At a time where innovation in construction is at a high, the industry is struggling to retain skilled staff who are willing to embrace new developments in building and engineering.

Again, Kurt sees women in construction as the perfect solution to the industry’s current problematic situation: “With fewer people coming into the industry with the necessary skills to keep it growing, one of the biggest challenges we face to keep the industry driving forward is a skills shortage, so attracting new talent is vital and a female workforce can help close that gap.”

The importance of gender equality | A positive future for the glazing industry

Dekko are certainly setting a great example, and as a more traditional set of senior industry leaders start to retire, the newer generation are embracing this forward-thinking attitude. Although figures from March 2019 show that men in construction were paid 20% more than women for doing the same job, this figure is significantly lower than the previous year’s 36% discrepancy.

This gender pay gap is predicted to continue falling in the coming years, so now could be the perfect time for women to consider a career in construction. Although the situation is far from perfect, for women looking to work in construction, the rewards are excellent. On average, female construction workers earn a 30% higher annual salary than those in other historically female-dominated industries such as textile manufacturing.

With gender quality and diversity now an integral part of employment regulations, the 2020s look set to be the decade when construction (including glazing) fully embrace an equal male-female workforce.

If you’d like to find out more about working at Dekko, have a look at our careers page to browse our current vacancies. Whatever your gender, you’ll be given an equal opportunity, with the most qualified and experienced person always being offered the role. If you have any further questions about our products or services call 0161 406 0055 or contact us online.