Women in Scaffolding

The National Federation of Builders (NFB) awards this year marked the start of real change and progression for the industry. The awards were aimed at showcasing women in the sector in order to make female and non-binary role models more visible and accessible. For this edition of AccessPoint we interviewed some women who are working in different roles within the industry to discuss their experiences.

and Smart scaffolder trained. Currently, I’m progressing through my Business Management degree through Arden University.

I am also currently leading a returning-citizen scheme at Star Scaffolding Ltd, which I hope to roll out over the industry and have recently made the top 100 women in construction voted by the NFB.

Did you experience any challenges getting into the industry?

I was lucky to come into the industry through the family so not really.

How have you found the industry has reacted to you?

I have found it very welcoming, I feel appreciated and valued.

Lydia Chard, the Business Development Manager at Star Scaffolding Limited, who has been short-listed for an award as part of the National Federation of Builders’ Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction 2022.

How long have you been working in the industry?

I have been in the construction industry for 8 years.

Why did you decide to go into the scaffolding industry?

Growing up, playing with dolls, make up and all things glittering, I never imagined myself ending up in hi vis and steel toe-capped boots trudging through a construction site, however I got into construction through our family business.

What has your career path been?

Working my way from trainee estimator through to my role now as Business Development Manager, I have gained my CSCS card, my Scaffolders Inspectors Card, and I am Strike

Do you think there is anything more the industry can do to encourage more women into the industry?

I think the variety of roles need to be showcased better, there are so many available such as Strategy Directors, Estimators, Business Managers, Apprenticeship Managers etc… there is so much variety of work in the industry.

What is your favourite part about working in the industry?

I love my job, there’s always a challenge and I love finding the solutions. No two days are ever the same!

I have enjoyed meeting some really inspirational characters in construction over the years and enjoy the incredible challenge of being part of building the city around me. Is there any other comments you would like to say?

I hope one day, whether it’s my daughter, my niece, a friend or an apprentice - that one of them will walk into a site office, progress meeting or board room in construction and, instead of being noticed for being female, they get noticed because of their opinion, their input and their knowledge, and I hope one day that they won’t be in the tiny minority of females around the table.

Shannon Phillips, a Trainee Scaffolder at Gold Scaffolding Ltd, who are Assessed Members of the Scaffolding Association.

How long have you been working in the industry?

I started labouring on a building site for Stonewood when I one day took an interest in scaffolding. I started with GOLD in January 2022, so I have only been in the industry about 9 months now but I have remained with GOLD as they have been so supportive from the start and I enjoy working with, and for, them.

Why did you decide to go into the scaffolding industry?

Truthfully the money was my main incentive, I have dreams that are not falling into place as quickly as I’d like and the salary opens up greater opportunities. Already as a trainee what I am putting into my savings each week is liberating. However, that isn’t my only reason, I have learnt as I move my way through professions that I desire a job that allows me to work outdoors all year round and one that keeps me busy and fit also, so scaffolding really ticks all the boxes for me.

What has your career path been?

I started off originally in childcare when I left school and my path has slowly diverted, although construction originally was going to be a short-term career path, I’ve since come to love everything about the industry and intend to see it through for much longer.

After being told I was too small and weak to become a scaffolder I was more determined than ever to give it a go. GOLD were erecting a scaffold on a site I was labouring for, I reached out to a member of the team and I remember my words were “be brutally honest with me please, am I too small and weak for the job?” To my amazement he told me not at all! And began to tell me about other short scaffolders, women in the industry and more about it in general. He could see I was keen and phoned the directors of GOLD to arrange an interview and well here I am today!

Did you experience any challenges getting into the industry?

Fortunately for me I faced no challenges getting into the industry. I still have physical challenges I wish to overcome for example being able to stand up a 21-foot tube without it touching the ground and always trying to work towards this.I have a great team who encourage me, teach me and take the time to show my what I want to learn such as technique or exercises to work my way up to my goals.

How have you found the industry has reacted to you?

I think perhaps there may have been some members of GOLD thinking I wouldn’t stick it out or enjoy the work, but they never once said or showed it. I have always received support and guidance from day 1 and the fact I am still here trying every day to be better has only gained more respect from my colleagues.

Do you think there is anything more the industry can do to encourage more women into the industry?

This is a good question and I have thought a lot about it! I can’t think what the industry can do, I feel like a big part of it is women and their mindsets. There are lots that are not interested in such heavy labour and others that don’t like the idea of working in such a male dominated environment. I have been working in male dominated teams for a while now from grounds keeping a school, to labouring on site and now scaffolding and I have to say there is a much more fun and laid-back approach in the work place of male dominated industries. Connecting with other female scaffolders on my LinkedIn in has been exciting and reassuring for me also. What is your favourite part about working in the industry?

For me every new challenge I face is a step out of my comfort zone, once I have stepped out of that zone and achieved the task at hand, I get such a rush! Similarly, when I notice my strength increasing and can carry more, or lift things I couldn’t before, I love the sense of achievement.

Are there any other comments you would like to make?

I still have a long way to go, I am only a trainee at the moment and have lots to learn and wish to be much stronger, but when I remember where I started and what I couldn’t do/what I didn’t know it’s a boost of confidence every time. Also having a company keen to invest in me is a privilege and I hope any other women that are interested have just as easy and supportive path.

If you are, or know of any women in the industry, or trying to get into the industry we would love to hear more about your story, please contact us on admin@accesspoint.org.uk