Why Trade Roles Need More Diversity in 2021
by James P. Outreach & PR ExecutiveEvidence shows that the view on gender has dramatically
shifted in the past 35 years. In 1984, 42 per cent of people said that men are
expected to be a family’s breadwinner, further agreeing that women should be
the main homemaker in a household. In 2019, only
eight per cent of people shared these views.
Gender is only one aspect of diversity and equality that
workplaces aim to resolve. Other factors include age, disability, and
race. The workplace should be an
environment that brings an understanding that no one should be obstructed from
any sector of work. Fortunately, while there is still more to be done, there is
no shortage of amazing stories from people who are demonstrating a change in a
variety of working roles. Here, we look at the pioneers are leading the fight
for equality in the construction sector and why construction leaders should
hire more diverse voices in 2021.
Quarry on working
Emily Burridge is one hard worker who is taking the world of
construction by storm. Starting in an apprenticeship scheme, Burridge has
excelled in what is typically considered a male-orientated industry. Showing
why the sector must recognise the talents and benefits of diverse roles, she achieved the status of
quarry manager by the age of 22. While showing that gender should not be a
limiting factor in the construction sector, she also champions the case for age
equality in the workplace. After working on 25 quarries, Burridge replaced a
man who was of retirement age. Now, though her staff are mostly older men, she
has no trouble integrating with the workforce and leading her team.
No obstacles for Todd
Apprenticeship schemes are proving to be great entry points
for those looking to gain access to any sector. Businesses are using
apprenticeships to develop skills and reward workers for dedication. One
apprentice scaffolder, Todd Scanlon, is proving
his vocation and surpassing any obstacles placed in his way. Scanlon, who
has Down’s Syndrome, says that he always wanted to work in scaffolding. After
talking to a local company, his determination was rewarded with a permanent
position on the team.
His enthusiasm was noticed, winning him On The Tools’
prestigious ‘UK’s Best Apprentice’ award in 2019. Martyn Coles, of Coles
Scaffolding, says that the apprentice has more than proven his skill and
willingness to learn over and over again: “I think it’s mainly because it is
thought people with a disability shouldn’t be in our industry. He’s just shown
that you can do it with the right guidance. He’s just a likeable guy.”
Todd has proven that nothing gets in the way of work. Diversifying
a team can help to make the workplace a better environment for all workers.
Tackling race
In the UK, there is still an under-representation of ethnic
voices in the construction industry. One index by Business in the Community
found that despite ethnic minority groups making up 14 per cent of the
population, in the construction sector only 3.4
per cent of managers have an ethnic background.
Anjali Pindoria is a project surveyor. While she says there
are still difficulties, she welcomes the change that the construction sector is
experiencing: “There are now more platforms where I can go and share my
experiences on panels and speaking events. It’s about educating people and
telling people to be more inclusive towards BAMEs, in order to start to change
mindsets.
“As for who my role models are — they are my dad Chem Naran
and my uncle Avi Kara. I have seen them graft from being carpenters to
directors, and you can see how they’ve pushed against every barrier that
they’ve had.”
Pindoria believes that a more diverse group can help to
create a better product, which is key to encouraging the promotion of minority
groups within the sector to achieve equality.
The future of the industry
Diversity and equality are essential for the construction
industry to continue with increasing success. The unique experience of
individuals allows for new perspectives to enter and improve businesses.
Richard Walker from SkipHire UK, who provides skip
hire Birmingham services, agrees that this is exactly what these industries
need: "For too many years the industry has suffered from a negative
perception and reputation creating a stigma that has acted as a barrier to
entry to a more diverse talent pool of workers. As innovation and technology
play its part in modernising ways of working in the sector, together with
schemes such as apprenticeships, we’re not only seeing a more diverse
workplace, but a more talented, skilled, and varied workforce.”
The construction sector is building a strong platform for
historically underrepresented groups in the industry. While there is still a
long way to go, it is encouraging to see the voices of people who breakthrough
into an industry that has been dominated by white males for years. In 2021,
construction leaders should encourage a culture that is accepting of everyone in
order to improve their business and their work.
Sources:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-47281926
https://news.sky.com/story/how-is-british-society-changing-and-what-does-this-mean-for-us-11760262
https://www.constructionmanagermagazine.com/ethnic-minorities-construction-pride-prejudice/
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Created on Mar 26th 2021 07:23. Viewed 361 times.