A HOUSING development in Widnes will be powered by women interested in pursuing a career in housebuilding.

The developer behind Abbey Vale on South Lane has teamed up with the Home Builders Federation and other home builders to help women into careers in the housebuilding industry.

Prospect Homes has signed up to the Women into Home Building programme, run by the Home Builders Federation (HBF). One of only a few SMEs in the north to have signed up to the programme, the housebuilder will welcome two women later this year who will spend time with site manager Kieron Herbert and assistant site manager Charlotte Milburn.

The programme is committed to driving change and supporting more women to pursue a career in site management. It has successfully guided 65 candidates through training and work experience, with 20 going on to employment.

Michael Orgill, managing director at Prospect Homes, said: “Prospect Homes is proud to champion gender diversity within its workforce, recognising the invaluable contributions women bring to the development of new homes. The Women into Home Building programme is doing great work to address the gender imbalance in our industry and we can’t wait to welcome two women who will get some real-life experience on our site in Widnes.”

Women at Prospect Homes excel in various roles, from architects and engineers to project managers, site managers and sales consultants.

Jenny Herdman, Director of the Home Builders Federation’s Home Building Skills Partnership, says: “Our industry faces a significant skills shortage, and it is vital that we attract a broad range of entrants if we are to meet the growing need for housing. The home building industry offers a variety of rewarding careers, yet women currently represent around 16% of the construction workforce and just 4% of site managers in the home building industry. We're proud to partner with our members to drive change and support more women to pursue a career within our industry."

Charlotte Milburn is an assistant site manager who will be mentoring the women during their work placements.

She said: “I’m really looking forward to connecting with the women who come to Abbey Vale and give them practical experience and increase awareness of site management careers and how it can open so many doors.”

The application window is now open and will close on Sunday, September 22 at 5pm. Any women who are open to a career in construction can apply at www.HBF.co.uk/WIHB