In the male-dominated realm of construction, Women into Construction (WIC) has emerged as a trailblazing initiative with a mission to revolutionise the industry’s workforce. This article delves into the origins of WIC, drawing inspiration from Kath Moore’s (Founder of Women Into Construction) personal experiences and detailing the organisation’s overarching mission.
The Birth of WIC: A Personal Journey
WIC’s inception can be traced back to the founder Kath Moore’s personal journey in the construction industry. As a young carpenter, Kath’s early experiences on construction sites ignited a passion for the challenges, continuous learning, and problem-solving inherent in the field. The feeling of a sense of achievement and camaraderie of being part of a construction project fuelled a desire to share these experiences with a broader audience.
Teaching carpentry in Further Education (FE) colleges revealed a glaring disparity between the success of women in courses and their struggles to secure employment in the industry. Despite excelling in training, women faced obstacles when attempting to break into the workforce, as companies were reluctant to offer them opportunities. This realisation served as a catalyst for the creation of WIC, with a vision to provide women with the necessary support to thrive in the construction sector.
The Olympic Opportunity
In 2008, a significant opportunity presented itself – the chance to spearhead a two-year Women into Construction Project on the Olympic build. Recognising the importance and timeliness of the venture, Kath Moore seized the opportunity “The project surpassed expectations, doubling the number of women across all construction roles on the Olympic build and, crucially, fostering a cultural shift that normalised the presence of women in the industry”.
Building on Success
Following the success of the Olympic project, WIC sought additional funding to expand its impact. The organisation received support from the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), enabling the rollout of the program across London. WIC transformed into an independent not-for-profit entity in 2014, extending its reach to major projects such as Crossrail, Tideway, HS2, and others across various regions, including London, West Midlands, Wales, Bristol, Newcastle, and East Anglia.
WIC’s Overarching Mission
Kath Moore highlighted “At its core, WIC’s mission is nothing short of revolutionary: to change the face of construction. The organisation strives to normalise the presence of women at all levels within the industry. It’s my personal mission and desire to render WIC’s intervention unnecessary, envisioning a future where women in construction are an integral and commonplace part of the workforce”.
The Evolution from past to future
As the organisation continues to evolve and there are changes to how they get women into construction companies, they have seen too the construction industry is also evolving. “There is much less resistance to increasing gender diversity in construction now, with many companies positively choosing to work actively to increase its diversity, they are coming to us asking for help to do it. Having such a turnaround is positive for not only the organisations involved but also wider society”.
Conclusion
Women into Construction shows the power of personal experience, dedication, and a commitment to transforming the status quo. From its initial inception due to the beginnings rooted in the founder’s journey, WIC has grown into a force for change, reshaping the construction industry and creating opportunities for women to thrive. As WIC continues to break ground, its ultimate goal remains clear – to make a lasting impact that leaves a legacy where it paves the way for a more inclusive future in construction.
