Celebrating International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated annually on March 8th to commemorate women's social, economic, cultural, and political achievements. Today at Intertech Contracts, we are celebrating and supporting women in the construction industry. 

As of April 2023, women made up 15.8% of construction workers in the UK, an increase of 1.2% from the previous year. This is not only an increase from 2022, but women currently make up a higher proportion of the construction workforce than ever before. 

Intertech Contracts is a commercial decorating contractor working on a variety of construction projects. We pride ourselves on providing reliable, quality services. Today, we would like to spotlight the talented women in our company.

Megan Dove: Finance Assistant

Megan Dove is our Finance Assistant and has been working at Intertech Contracts for nearly 8 years. Megan started here as an apprentice and decided to continue working with Intertech after completing her level two and three qualifications in Business & Administration. 

“Megan joined us at the age of 16, a shy yet ambitious apprentice working towards completing her L2 In Business & Administration. During her time with us, her confidence soared, and she became integral to the daily functions of the business. She tackles each task head-on and is not afraid of taking on new challenges within the business.

Fast-forward almost 10 years, and she is now a key figure within our finance department. Having been at the start of Megan’s professional journey and witnessing the hard work she has put in to develop her career has been a true privilege.”—Wayne Tompkins, Commercial Finance Manager at Intertech Contracts. 

Let’s hear from Megan:

What do you enjoy most about working for Intertech Contracts?

I work in the office rather than in the field, so I get to meet lots of new people both in person and over the phone. It is also a mainly male environment, which works really well for me as I grew up with brothers. We work well as a team here, and Intertech feels like a work family.

What makes you proud of the work you do?

When I started as an apprentice, I was quiet and timid: I wouldn’t even dare ask for a cup of tea. I’ve grown out of my shell and become confident in the way I work and talk to people, both inside and outside work. I used to be scared of making mistakes, but now I am more confident in my ability and can accept feedback.

What problems do you enjoy solving?

As a business, there are challenges in different departments. I often deal with suppliers, and if there are stock issues, the whole team gets involved in sourcing stock from far and wide. I don’t like to be sat twiddling my thumbs, so I often jump in first to deal with problems, which I would’ve never done when I first started working here. 

What are the advantages of being a woman in the construction industry?

The men really look after you. They go out of their way to involve you in projects and value your opinions and perspectives. Working at Intertech Contracts has also grown my confidence and given me a backbone. 

What advice would you give to women interested in working in the construction industry?

The construction industry is rough and tough but you don’t have to be that person to start a career in the industry. Don’t go in and think that you don’t fit in. Walk in with your head high. 

Holly Jordan: Apprentice Painter & Decorator 

Holly Jordan is an Apprentice Painter & Decorator. She has been working for Intertech Contracts for 8 months and quickly established herself in her new role. 

“Holly takes pride in her work and displays a strong work ethic. She is a real team player and happy to assist others where needed. During her short time at Intertech Contracts, she has become a true asset to our business and continues to develop her skills

Holly was recognised for her continued efforts by receiving the ‘Construction Achievement of The Year’ award at The Hull Training and Adult Education award ceremony in December 2023.” - Wayne Tompkins, Commercial Finance Manager at Intertech Contracts. 

Let’s hear from Holly:

What led you to pursue a career in the construction Industry?

I have always wanted to be in the trade as I enjoy the work.

What do you enjoy most about working for Intertech Contracts? 

I enjoy the work and the equal respect I get from the company and other employees.

What makes you proud of the work you do?

People notice my ability to do a good job. I produce work with quality and speed, making me reliable. I get treated like any of the lads. I recently carried out some wallpapering as part of my assessment at college, and my tutor was so impressed he has been showing it to other students. 

What advice would you give to women interested in working in the construction industry?

Be open-minded and willing to work physically hard, offering a good standard on every task given. Use respect and discipline in a workplace with and without a team. Key communication helps jobs follow smoothly. 

What is International Women’s Day?

International Women’s Day is when people worldwide come together to celebrate women’s achievements or rally for accelerating gender parity. Anyone, anywhere, can play a part in creating gender equality.

The first International Women’s Day was held in 1911 and was supported by over one million people. Men and women attended IWD rallies to campaign for women’s rights to work, vote, be trained, hold public office and end discrimination.

The United Nations first marked International Women’s Day in 1975. In 1996, the United Nations announced its first annual theme: “Celebrating the past, planning for the future.” Annual themes for IWD have continued ever since.

The IWD theme for 2024 is “Inspire inclusion,” emphasising the importance of diversity and empowerment for all women in society. This theme calls for breaking down barriers, challenging stereotypes, and creating environments where women are valued and respected.

Women in Construction

As mentioned earlier, women currently make up the highest percentage of construction workers than ever before, 15.8% to be exact. This is a huge cause for celebration, but we still have a long way to go in building an equitable and inclusive industry.

The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) and Women Into Construction are both not-for-profit organisations working towards a more gender-equal construction industry. 

Nawic aims to support women in construction throughout their careers, celebrate their achievements, and inspire the next generation of women to enter the construction industry. They organise site visits, networking events, industry seminars and workshops. 

Women Into Construction promotes gender equality in construction. They provide bespoke support for women looking to work in construction and help contractors recruit motivated and skilled female construction workers.

Intertech Contracts is a commercial painting and decorating company based in Hull. We work nationwide, providing painting and decorating, tape and jointing, joinery, dry lining, and fire door installation services.