Today we celebrate International Women’s Day at Equals. We asked Charlie Orwell, one of our apprentices, her thoughts on being a woman in construction at the start of her career and how she finds her place within a typically male dominated industry.

“Coming into the construction industry as an 18 year old apprentice, I wasn’t sure what to expect in terms of I how I might be treated, particularly on site. In the past five years I have never felt I’ve been treated any differently, both within Equals but also in the wider industry. I think it’s so encouraging that I see women in all aspects of construction, not just in consultancies but doing skilled construction work on sites as well.

When I started at Equals, over 50% of the apprentices were female, and it’s been a really positive experience within the company to also see women in higher positions. The fact we have a female MD, Caroline Blowers, just shows that to reach the highest level in a company is possible.

Since I started – just before COVID hit – I have felt really supported in both my learning and my work by my mentors and peers, and despite starting my career during a prolonged period of remote working, that continued support has been extremely positive and has meant I have seen continual progression in my career.

One thing I love about Equals is that I can ask anyone at any level for advice or help and they will take the time to discuss it with me.”

Charlie Orwell