The future of our industry for women, and what Gen Z really wants from it
In this month’s issue, Editor of BuildHER and Communications Executive at Gleeds, Tash Lowe, sits down with the Gen Z women making serious impact across the US, UK and Europe, to discuss where they think the future of the construction industry is going and why they joined the ‘dark side’ in the first place.
Lazy? Addicted to phones and matcha? Hate coming into the office? Uses ‘slay’ every third sentence? The Gen Z stare? Is it all true?
These are the hot topics dividing conversations between age groups and have sparked up plenty of debate as to the characteristics of the ‘snowflake’ generation and what they really bring to the table. But as a ‘geriatric’ Gen Z myself I feel the responsibility to defend my fellow late nineties and noughties babies, and what better way to do so than to bring out my (metaphorical) mini mic and ask the Gen Z ‘girlies’ at Gleeds exactly what they think of the construction industry and its future.
Kyhana Brunswick, Project Consultant, Georgia
Q: What are young women in construction looking for?
Alternative career paths, real work-life balance, and true mentorship and sponsorship.
The dotcom boom was elementary school. Facebook was middle school. Instagram and Snapchat were high school. Then the pandemic, TikTok, and the explosion of WFH life shaped our entry into the workforce. By the time Gen Z walked through the door, we already had years of data sitting in our back pockets - we'd watched careers, industries and workplaces up close our entire lives. Things that felt like progress to prior generations are simply our baseline. What was once groundbreaking, is now the norm we expect walking in.
Construction is appealing because it offers job security, good pay equity relative to other industries and competitive wages. However, work-life balance is non-negotiable. Can I work from home when I'm not feeling well? Can I log in remotely because I’d been travelling that week? Do I get PTO I can actually use, to travel, to rest, to just sleep in? Present day, we're watching people post about their unlimited PTO, their flexible remote setups, and companies that genuinely respect boundaries. We know that exists. To be passionate about your work is to have your work pay well enough and respect you enough so that you can have a life outside of it.
On career progression, construction still leans heavily into traditional ladders. And while there are absolutely ambitious women who want to climb into the C-suite, that's not the only story. Now that representation in leadership exists and is visible, young women are ready to have a different conversation: what does growth look like for someone who doesn't want to become director or VP, but still wants a lucrative, meaningful career? What's the path for going deep in your lane, building real expertise, and being compensated well for it? That conversation needs to happen more.
And lastly, mentorship and sponsorship. Construction is still a male-dominated field, and young women are looking to the female pioneers in leadership and male allies, to not just open doors, but to walk through them with us. We might not all aspire to step into your role one day, but we still want your advocacy. Be a sponsor, not just a mentor, regardless of gender.
Q: Is the construction industry keeping pace to the ambitions of young people (specifically women)?
Yes and no. From a technology and innovation standpoint, yes. More often than not, I'd come across talking points about new technology and industry projects on TikTok, and then a week or two later realise my company was already involved in those same initiatives. That told me they're not just aware of where the industry is heading, they're actively at the table.
But the ambitions of young women go beyond technology. The industry has made real strides, and I don't want to discount that. Women still make up only about 11% of the U.S. construction workforce (Institute for Women’s Policy, 2025), and while Gen Z women are showing up in the pipeline, the industry must make sure it's ready to receive and retain us.
Q: What is it like working in construction as a young woman? Do you feel seen, heard and understood with equal access to opportunity?
Working in construction as a young woman has been great. I can tell a lot has changed since I interned ten years ago, and I'm genuinely impressed by the amount of progress that's taken place. That said, my experience has been heavily shaped by connections. Going back to mentorship and sponsorship, it's incredibly important to connect with people and maintain warm, ongoing relationships. "It's not what you know, it's who you know" is an age-old statement. However, in the era of AI, where anyone can now artificially inflate their intelligence, who you know is more important than ever. I do feel my positive experience is very much running in parallel with continuous connection-building.
Q: How do we encourage younger generations to close the skills gap?
Get on social media, TikTok specifically. The industry must start marketing itself differently, talking about roles differently, and changing the narrative around what it looks like to kickstart a career in construction. A lot of Gen Z’s are still opting for four-year degrees, but there are others seeking out trade schools, apprenticeships, and alternative paths. There's also an undercurrent of "older" Gen Z (25–29) who are already looking to pivot into new fields and industries. When seeking out bright talent, make sure to touch all bases: what it means to work in this industry, what skills are actually needed to do the work, regardless of degree or "perfect" direct experience.
Q: Why did you choose to join the industry? Is it always what you wanted to do?
I pivoted into this industry for stability and growth. There's a certain comfort in knowing there's always work to be done, and where there's work, there's opportunity. But honestly, my path here wasn't linear. I have an English degree. I interned at a nuclear site back in 2016, then spent nearly a decade building a career in marketing and communications before finding my way back.
Everyone I've encountered in this industry thus far seems to have an engineering, construction, or business background. I haven't met many people with an arts degree sitting where I'm sitting. And I think that's actually the point. The fact that I'm here is evidence that the industry is opening up. The profile of who belongs in construction is changing, and I'm glad to be part of that.
Q: What piece of advice would you give a young woman interested in joining our industry?
Boots-on-the-ground networking. For my introverted girlies (like myself) I'm sorry, but you have to talk to people. It's a muscle we just have to constantly train. See a luncheon? Go. Alumni event at your alma mater? Go. Show up to the events, and don't leave without connecting on LinkedIn. Shake hands, laugh with people - the whole bit. Why? Because people bet on those they know. Of course you need the skills, but there are a lot of accredited, intelligent women out there. Being smart isn't enough. Posting on LinkedIn isn't enough. You have to go outside and meet people. And do it enough times that you won't have to reintroduce yourself.
Talia Swift-White, Trainee Project Controls Engineer, Wales
Q: What are young women in construction looking for?
I can only speak from my own experience and from conversations I’ve had with other young women. Essentially, we are looking for the same things as everybody else. Women want to be treated equally, and I know that can sound typical, but it’s true. I want to arrive at work and not be seen for my gender or my age, but as somebody who can do their job and is treated as an equal to their counterparts.
I know from my own experience that representation and role models are vital. You cannot be what you cannot see, and it’s important to see women succeeding in these roles because it allows us to understand that it is possible and that those opportunities are achievable.
Ultimately, young women are looking for the same things as anyone else: the opportunity to flourish, build a successful career and participate in major infrastructure projects that make a real difference. Equality should be the standard, not the exception.
Q: Is the construction industry keeping pace to the ambitions of young people (specifically women)?
The construction industry is progressing, and the data backs that up. The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB, 2025) completed a survey which positively reflects how young people view the industry. The findings showed that 68% of young people held a positive view of construction, while 79% of parents would support their child pursuing a career in the industry. These figures demonstrate that attitudes towards construction are improving.
However, the survey also highlighted how young women still perceive barriers within the industry, including poor workplace culture, male dominance and concerns about not being respected. I believe this is important because, while we have made significant progress, it shows that there is still work to do.
Particularly for young women, being part of networks such as Women in Gleeds, Women in Nuclear and Women in Construction can help break down barriers by providing support, representation and role models. These groups create a sense of belonging and demonstrate that there is a place for women to thrive within our industry.
I believe the construction industry is keeping pace in many areas, but not consistently across the sector. We are moving in the right direction, but if we want to truly meet the ambitions of young people, particularly women, we must continue to challenge stereotypes, promote inclusive cultures and create environments where everyone has equal access to opportunity.
Q: What is it like working in construction as a young woman? Do you feel seen, heard and understood with equal access to opportunity?
Working as a woman in construction, specifically within the energy and nuclear sector, is beyond rewarding. I work alongside amazing people and, personally, I have never experienced gender discrimination. However, I need to shift my perspective and recognise that I shouldn't see this as luck, this should be the norm.
I’m fortunate enough to have an incredible support network here at Gleeds and also within an organisation that I volunteer for, Women in Nuclear. I’m surrounded by inspiring and powerful women, which allows me to learn, grow and feel confident in my own trajectory and career aspirations. Because of this, I do feel seen, heard and supported, and I have been given opportunities that have allowed me to develop both personally and professionally.
As an industry, we have made significant progress, but there is still more to do to make sure every young woman feels equally valued, heard and understood, and that access to opportunity is truly equal. Nobody should feel like they are the exception; feeling supported and empowered should simply be the standard.
What I can say is that it’s sometimes hard being the youngest person in the room, especially when everything is new and you're still learning. It can feel intimidating, and at times you may question whether you deserve to be there. However, you must remind yourself that this isn't the case. More often than not, we overthink and imposter syndrome kicks in. The reality is that you are in that room for a reason, and your perspective and contribution are just as valuable as anyone else's.
Q: How do we encourage younger generations to close the skills gap?
Firstly, in my opinion, we close the skills gap by providing greater education and awareness of the opportunities within our industry. We need to promote women in construction from as young as primary school age. Alongside my daily role, I’m the Energy South-West Social Value Champion, and part of this involves delivering educational engagements and going into schools to inspire young people. I like to help younger generations understand the wide variety of roles within our business and the opportunities available to them. This creates interest in our industry from an early age and helps break down gender norms and stereotypes.
When taking on apprentices and graduates, we need to provide the right training and ensure we are creating, developing and nurturing real skills. Ensuring that young people have the correct tools and support network around them is vital in promoting growth, which will in turn help close the skills gap. We need more people who are willing to mentor young people. We need mentors and role models who can support and retain young talent once they enter the industry and help them maximise their true potential.
I believe there is currently a stigma surrounding Gen Z and our reliance on AI. However, AI is here, it’s being used, and it’s here to stay. It’s true that Gen Z lives and breathes automation and anything that can make our lives more productive. This only becomes a negative if young people overly rely on it, and I do believe that over-reliance can take away from developing genuine skills. My suggestion is to remove the stigma and instead provide proper training on both the pros and cons of AI, ensuring there is appropriate education on the topic as a whole.
Q: Why did you choose to join the industry? Is it always what you wanted to do?
I found out about the industry through a good friend; someone I had only met a few months before starting my career. If it wasn’t for her, I would never have applied, and I certainly wouldn’t be where I am today. My path would have taken a completely different direction.
This is why I advocate so strongly for education and why we need to engage with young people. There are so many capable and talented young people who would align perfectly with this industry and the plethora of opportunities it has to offer, but they simply are not aware of it.
Now I’m here, I wouldn’t change it for the world.
Q: What piece of advice would you give a young woman interested in joining our industry?
I’d tell a young woman to always do her research, before joining any organisation. Do your checks and ensure that its reputation, values and culture align with the type of place you want to work. Once you have your role, don’t allow stereotypes to deter you or define you. You are not what other people perceive you to be; you are capable. Tying into that, always be confident when taking up space. You deserve to be in the room, even as the youngest person or the only woman.
An underrated piece of advice is to be inquisitive and always ask questions. Curiosity is a strength and can shape where your career takes you. People are not mind readers, so how are they supposed to know that you don't know something? Speak up and never feel bad for asking questions. Finally, build your network, always say yes to opportunities, put yourself forward and advocate for yourself. Some of the best opportunities come from stepping outside of your comfort zone. Most importantly, remember that your perspective matters and that your voice deserves to be heard.
Rita Amir, Project Manager, Paris
Q: What are young women in construction looking for?
Young women in construction are looking for opportunities, visibility and inclusion. They want to see that the industry offers real career prospects, that their voices are heard, and that leadership positions are accessible to them. Role models, mentoring and a supportive workplace culture are key factors in attracting and retaining female talent.
Q: Is the construction industry keeping pace to the ambitions of young people (specifically women)?
I would say the industry is catching up, but not always at the same speed as the expectations of younger generations. Construction remains a male-dominated industry. Today, I see more women in leadership positions and a much stronger focus on diversity and inclusion, which is encouraging. However, being one of the few women in the room is still a reality in many situations.
Q: What is it like working in construction as a young woman? Do you feel seen, heard and understood with equal access to opportunity?
When I started my career as an architect, I didn't always feel fully seen or recognised in my role. Because I was young and a woman, people would often assume I was the intern rather than the project lead. It wasn't necessarily intentional, but those assumptions were there. Over time, as I gained experience and confidence, that changed. Today, I feel much more respected and listened to, and I see the industry evolving in a positive direction.
So, while I do think there is still progress to be made, particularly around unconscious bias, my experience has shown me that things are improving. What matters is continuing to create environments where young professionals, regardless of their age or gender, are recognised for their expertise and contribution.
Q: How do we encourage younger generations to close the skills gap?
Engage with young people early. At Gleeds in France, we regularly recruit apprentices and take part in school and university career events. It allows us to showcase our profession, share real-life experiences and help students understand the skills and opportunities available in the construction and project management industry.
Q: Why did you choose to join the industry? Is it always what you wanted to do?
When I was a little girl, my family moved into a house designed by an architect. Looking back, it probably wasn't as extraordinary as I remember it, but through a child's eyes it felt magical. My bedroom had hidden corners, little hiding places and clever details that seemed designed specifically for a child's imagination.
That experience made me fall in love with architecture very early on. It wasn't just about the building itself, but about how a space could make someone feel and how thoughtful design could shape everyday life. That's what drew me to the industry in the first place: the idea of creating spaces for people and designing with the end user in mind. From that moment on, I knew I wanted to work in architecture and the built environment, and that's exactly the path I followed.
Q: What piece of advice would you give a young woman interested in joining our industry?
There is no such thing as a stupid question, so ask them all. Be curious, learn from those around you, and take every opportunity to expand your knowledge. Construction offers an incredible variety of career paths, from design and engineering to project management and consultancy.
I've changed careers three times within the same industry, and I'm still learning every day. That's one of the things I love most about it: there are so many different opportunities and so much room to grow. So don't be intimidated by the industry or feel like you need to know everything before getting started. None of us ever do.
Eva Jabine, Assistant Project Consultant, Texas
Q: What are young women in construction looking for?
Generalising what I am looking for, I would say clear career progression, an inclusive and respectful culture, flexibility for work-life balance and the opportunity to contribute to meaningful, innovative projects are what young women are looking for.
Q: Is the construction industry keeping pace to the ambitions of young people (specifically women)?
Personally, I have never felt dismissed in the industry; my contributions have been taken seriously. However, my positive experience is not universal, and sustained commitment from leadership remains essential to ensure the ambitions of young women are met. Above all, leadership must embrace change as an opportunity, not a threat. The younger generation cannot excel in their ambitions of moving the industry forward if the industry fears change.
Q: What is it like working in construction as a young woman? Do you feel seen, heard and understood with equal access to opportunity?
Working in construction as a young woman has been a positive experience overall. While I have faced doubt because of my age, the unwavering support and belief from my mentors have more than mitigated that opposition. I feel as though my ideas are valued and I’ve had equal access to opportunities for growth. What’s especially encouraging is that older generations genuinely appreciate my fresh perspective and tech-oriented solutions and are willing to put them to use rather than dismiss them.
Q: How do we encourage younger generations to close the skills gap?
I think early exposure to the industry in school/university would contribute to narrowing the generational skills gap. As a woman in computer science, I didn’t even realise construction was a viable career path for me until much later. That’s why visibility matters. Pairing that early awareness with things like formal mentorship from experienced professionals, networks, and building confidence, will give everything Gen Z needs to enter and thrive in the industry and ensure a capable future workforce.
Q: Why did you choose to join the industry? Is it always what you wanted to do?
I didn’t always know construction was an option for me. In fact, I wasn’t even aware this industry was a viable path when I chose to pursue computer science and data science. However, I have always been deeply interested in data and its practical applications. The construction industry allows me to grow in my field of interest while making an impactful contribution to the industry’s growing reliance on technology and analytics.
Q: What piece of advice would you give a young woman interested in joining our industry?
My advice to young women or girls interested in joining the industry is to focus on building strong technical skills in areas like project management, software and data analytics. Coming into the industry with a well-rounded portfolio, one that showcases both your technical skills and ability to apply them, gives you immediate leverage and visibility, regardless of your age. It signals that you are serious, competent and ready to contribute from day one.
