Why the Construction Industry Should Be Hiring More Women

The construction industry is facing several long term challenges, including an ageing workforce, a widening skills gap, and growing pressure to deliver projects sustainably and efficiently. According to the Construction Industry Training Board, the sector will need around 250,000 additional workers by 2027 to meet future demand.

Addressing these challenges will not be easy, but one of the most effective and often overlooked solutions is clear: the industry must hire more women.

As of 2025, research shows that 66 percent of young women are either already working in construction or open to pursuing a career in the industry. This represents a significant opportunity for employers to rethink traditional hiring approaches and tap into a skilled, motivated, and underutilised talent pool through smarter construction recruitment in Birmingham and beyond.

This shift is not about box ticking or optics. It delivers measurable business value.

Studies consistently show that companies with greater gender diversity outperform those with less diverse workforces. For employers working with a construction recruitment agency in Birmingham, this is the ideal moment to take a proactive approach to hiring and bring more women into construction roles. It strengthens businesses, future proofs the industry, and supports long term workforce sustainability.

The Business Case for Hiring More Women in Construction

Hiring more women helps construction companies:

• Address critical labour shortages
• Reduce reliance on a shrinking talent pool
• Improve productivity, innovation, and decision making
• Build a stronger employer brand

For construction employers partnering with Extra Workforce, embracing diversity is not just socially responsible. It is a practical response to real workforce pressures across Birmingham and the wider UK.

How to Attract and Retain More Women in Construction

Improve Job Adverts and Role Messaging

Job adverts play a major role in shaping who applies for a role. Inclusive job descriptions help widen your reach and attract a more diverse range of candidates.

Construction employers should use gender neutral language, avoid unnecessary physical requirements, and highlight flexible working options where possible. Working with a specialist construction recruitment agency in Birmingham like Extra Workforce ensures job adverts are written to appeal to a broader talent base while still meeting operational needs.

Introduce Apprenticeships and Early Career Pathways

Apprenticeships provide an accessible and practical entry route into construction, particularly for younger candidates. They help reshape outdated perceptions of construction as a male only industry and encourage more women to consider long term careers in the sector.

This approach also supports workforce renewal by tackling the ageing workforce and creating a steady pipeline of skilled workers for the future.

Create a Supportive and Inclusive On Site Environment

Attracting women into construction is only part of the solution. Retention is just as important.

Employers should focus on creating inclusive site environments that support all workers. This includes providing training on unconscious bias and respectful workplace behaviour, ensuring properly fitting PPE is available for women, and offering essential facilities such as sanitary disposal units in site toilets.

Small practical changes make a big difference in helping workers feel valued, safe, and supported.

Engage with Industry Networks and Events

Industry organisations and networks focused on women in construction offer valuable insights into recruitment, retention, and best practice. Attending workshops, panels, and events allows employers to learn from others, share experiences, and demonstrate a genuine commitment to inclusion.

These efforts strengthen employer reputation and support more effective construction recruitment in Birmingham.

Women Are Shaping the Future of Construction

Women are not just filling roles in construction. They are helping to redefine the industry, bringing new perspectives, skills, and leadership styles that benefit everyone.

For employers, overlooking this talent pool is no longer an option. It limits growth, worsens skills shortages, and puts businesses at a competitive disadvantage.

At Extra Workforce, we support construction companies across Birmingham with smarter, more inclusive recruitment strategies. As a trusted construction recruitment agency in Birmingham, we help employers access diverse talent, build stronger teams, and plan for the future of the industry.

If you are ready to strengthen your workforce and improve your recruitment outcomes, speak to Extra Workforce today and discover how inclusive hiring can drive real results.