untypical is continuing its support for the Women into Home Building programme. They are offering placements across four developments, helping more women discover rewarding careers within the homebuilding industry.
The programme, an initiative from the Home Builders Federation (HBF), provides women with training, industry insight and hands-on experience designed to introduce them to the breadth of career opportunities available in homebuilding.
This year, untypical is supporting the programme with opportunities at Wixams in Bedfordshire, The Elms at Woolpit, Delapre Point in Northampton and Brook Manor in Exeter.
Addressing the industry skills gap
Launched in 2023 as a collaboration between home builders and the wider industry, Women into Home Building aims to help address the sector’s talent pipeline and gender imbalance, while increasing the number of women progressing into leadership roles on site.
Delivered over three weeks, participants complete a week of online training and industry insight followed by a two-week placement on a participating home builder’s site. This experience provides valuable exposure to the day-to-day realities of working in the industry.
Since its launch, more than 400 women have received support, career advice and exposure to roles in homebuilding. More than 215 women have completed industry insight training and work experience. Over 60 women have subsequently secured employment within the sector.
For untypical, the impact of the programme is already being seen within its own team.
Claire Follows first joined the industry through the Women into Home Building programme and has since gone on to build her career with the business. Today, she is a Trainee Assistant Site Manager in untypical’s Eastern region. Her role demonstrates how an initial opportunity to experience working on site can develop into a long-term career.
Claire said, “Women into House Building (WiHB) talked to me about transferable skills, which was one of the best things. I had taken time out to care for my children, but WiHB empowered me as much as I empowered myself. I have come to realise that there are literally people from all walks of life working on site.”
Breaking down barriers
Amelia Maydom, Head of Learning & Development at untypical said, “We’re proud to continue supporting Women into Home Building and to provide opportunities for more women to experience first-hand what a career in our industry can offer.
“There is a huge variety of roles and career paths within homebuilding. We know that people don’t always have the opportunity to see that for themselves. Providing practical experience on our developments can help break down those barriers and give participants the confidence and knowledge to consider a career in the sector.
“Claire’s progression is a fantastic example of what this programme can achieve. Her journey from taking part in Women into Home Building to becoming a Trainee Assistant Site Manager shows why initiatives like this matter. We hope to welcome many more women into the industry through this year’s programme.”
More than 26 home builders have taken part in Women into Home Building to date. The programme demonstrates the industry-wide commitment to creating a more diverse workforce and developing a stronger pipeline of future talent.
The programme is an HBF initiative delivered by Pathway CTM. It is funded by participating home builders and supported by NHBC, which provides travel and childcare sponsorship.
