Last week our Apprentice Site Manager, Shona Noel was invited to speak at Islington Town Hall at the Tradeswoman Building Bridges reception. Tradeswoman Building Bridges is an organisation that supports and promotes the representation of North American women working in the construction trades. The group are in London meeting with workers, union leaders, policy makers, and community advocates. A reception was held at Islington Town Hall where the Mayor of Islington, Cllr Marian Spall and Leader of Islington Council, Cllr Kaya Comer-Schwartz both gave a speech about the importance of women in construction.
Women working in the industry is increasing, however there are still many challenges that women face but as Cllr Kaya Comer-Schwartz so rightly said “Out of difficulty women always find opportunity”. Rooff are proud to say that 15% of our workforce is female, a number which in the next few years we hope to increase. One of these amazing women is our Apprentice Site Manager, Shona Noel. Shona gave an excellent speech about her experience of joining the industry after working in childcare for over ten years and then deciding that she wanted a career change. Shona completed construction related courses hosted by Women in Construction and Islington Council before starting a carpentry apprenticeship. After training as a carpenter Shona decided that she wanted to become a Site Manager. She worked hard and joined Rooff in September 2021 as an apprentice Site Manager. This resilience and determination for following her passion and working her way up demonstrates the strength that not just Shona but all women in construction possess.
Rooff are delighted have Shona as part of the team and we are motivated in supporting even more women into the industry. It was an inspirational event, and it was great to meet tradeswomen from across the world, showing the importance of supporting and encouraging women in construction.
