YBS Insulation champions women in the construction sector and believe that equality should be a priority and the construction sector should be no different.
A core company value which is promoted throughout the business is ‘Better Together’ which involves creating a working environment in which all departments work closely together and despite being a growing business YBS has maintained a family ethic within the teams.
Managing Director Simon Sharkey says that “equality should be a priority and this is an important element of maintaining an efficient and happy working environment. I have no doubt that we will welcome many more women into the business in a variety of roles over the coming years and as the business grows.”
According to construction careers website Go Construct, some 37% of new entrants into the construction sector coming from higher education are women; it also estimates that 14% of the total workforce in this sector are now female. In a historically male industry it is vitally important that women feel empowered and are encouraged to progress in the construction industry.
Encouraging women to enter the industry and progress is something that YBS believe in strongly and this approach has benefited greatly to the growth of the business. Over the recent years, many women have been recruited into a variety of positions within YBS including senior management positions from National Sales Manager, Sales Office Manager, Customer Service Advisor, Cavity Closure Supervisor to the newly recruited Marketing Manager.
We speak to Naomi Childerley and sibling Natasha who have both experienced progression within the company within varying roles. The sisters speak openly about their experiences within the industry.
Naomi Childerley has been with YBS for almost six years and has progressed within the company. Having started her career as Machine Operative, Naomi was then promoted to Customer Service Advisor. Talking about her development and progression within the company, Naomi says:
“Despite seeing an improvement in the way customers perceive women in construction, I will often have to work harder in order to overcome these perceptions. I have overcome this by working harder to expand my technical knowledge and remaining confident. The working environment at YBS is very supportive and this has aided my career progression.”
Natasha has also be very successful in progressing in her role since starting as Machine Operator in 2010 to Cavity Closure Supervisor. Natasha says:
“I enjoy what I do and feel proud to have progressed in my role. The hardest thing is struggling to find suitable women’s workwear clothing." This goes to show there is still some way to go in terms of changing perceptions.
Find out more about YBS INSULATION on their member profile page here
Member-created content 5 years ago | By Made in Britain