Together We Rise - Closing the Skills Gap with Diversity in Roofing

The UK construction industry is facing a significant challenge. By 2032, the sector is projected to need 937,000 recruits including 244,000 qualified apprentices to meet demand. As a result, there’s a real opportunity to tap into the potential women can offer in helping to close the skills gap and support the growth of the industry.

This Women in Construction Week, we’re addressing the importance of attracting more women into the sector.  With just 1% of women working in manual trades and 7% in executive roles, it’s more important than ever to bring more women into these roles, and create a more diverse and balanced workforce. 

Here’s how businesses, especially in industries like roofing, can make a difference.

Opening Doors in Roofing

The theme for this year’s Women in Construction Week is “Together we Rise”. While the construction industry - including roofing - has traditionally been male-dominated, progress is being made towards greater diversity. The demand for skilled workers is outpacing the supply, creating new opportunities for individuals from all backgrounds to step in and make an impact. 

Layla emphasised that creating more pathways for women in roofing can bring fresh perspectives and new ideas that can contribute to the continued growth and improvement of the sector. Through targeted recruitment, mentorship, and training programs, we can ensure the trade is seen as an attractive career choice for women, supporting long-term industry growth.

The Importance of Apprenticeships

One of the most effective ways to address the skills gap is through apprenticeships. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience, valuable skills, and industry certifications that prepare the next generation of workers to meet the challenges of the industry. To maximise their impact, it’s important that these opportunities are accessible to all. 

As part of BMI we’re proud to see Leah become the first female winner of the BMI Apprentice of the Year awards. During her time at the awards, she commented on her experience in roofing. “There’s no getting away from the fact that roofing is a male-dominated industry. On my college course it’s all men, and that’s something I expected going into it, but I’ve never felt out of place and I’ve found it to always be welcoming - it has been a great experience so far”.

By fostering a strong network of both male and female apprentices, we can ensure the trades attract diverse talent, providing everyone with the technical and practical knowledge needed to excel in the industry. This not only benefits individuals but strengthens the industry as a whole. 

Highlighting the Pathways

It’s possibly a lack of awareness about the opportunities available within roofing, combined with the appeal of other career paths, that may be contributing to the industry not being seen as a first choice for many. For some, likely, the trade is still perceived as a male-dominated domain. And, there’s often a limited understanding of the variety of roles and career growth prospects available. 

To address this, industry leaders can play a key role in reshaping the perception of roofing careers. By highlighting the pathways into the trade and doing more to showcase how women can thrive in these roles, we can help more people, particularly women, see the trade as a rewarding and sustainable career choice in a world that’s full of diverse career options. 

Creating an Inclusive Environment

Offering an inclusive, supportive, and enabling work environment is essential for closing the skills gap. By providing training, mentorship, and clear pathways for growth, businesses can ensure that women, particularly those working in male-dominated fields like roofing, are equipped to succeed. Cultivating a culture that values and supports women at every stage of their career is not only crucial for their success but also for narrowing the skills gap and building a stronger, more diverse industry.