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FRONT could help to relieve this shortage. Thankfully, there are pioneers breaking into this boys’ network. Women in Construction (WIC) is an independent not-forprofit organisation that bridges the gap between recruiters, contractors and employees. And there are other enterprises, like Chicks with Bricks and Lady Builder, that make the issue more approachable, if somewhat infantilising. Roma Agrawal, one of the structural engineers on the Shard, has long been a role model for diversity. Her new book, Built, not only depicts her love for structures but espouses unsung female constructors whose stories have been buried under centuries of misogyny. One September 2018 “I have the feeling that there were very entrepreneurial women around, but their stories have been lost” memorable account is of the manufacture of the Brooklyn Bridge in the 1870s. When chief engineer John Roebling died, his son Washington took over – only to become ill himself. After secretly teaching herself engineering, Washington’s wife Emily stepped in and managed the completion of the bridge. ‘I have the feeling,’ Agrawal says, ‘that there were very entrepreneurial women around, but their stories have been lost.’ Part of the problem lies in how women are advised in their career choices. Apprenticeships are being shunted in favour of universities, when often academia and a £50,000 student debt to boot only adds to the surplus of overqualified undergraduates unable to find work. In universities, there is an overwhelming gender gap in subject choice, with men outnumbering women in the STEM courses beneficial to positions in engineering and construction. In response to this, Balfour Beatty has cultivated a partnership with educators to boost uptake of STEM subjects. In a similar vein, Amey has launched a ABOVE Brooklyn Bridge, construction of which was overseen by Emily Roebling STEM ambassador scheme to visit schools and youth groups such as Girl Guides. It is essential that we keep conversations about diversity flowing. Other typically ‘male’ vocations such as plumbing, computer programming and carpentry are still rife with imbalance and urgently need addressing. The gates have been opened: let’s hope they stay that way. 15

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FRONT

could help to relieve this shortage.

Thankfully, there are pioneers breaking into this boys’ network. Women in Construction (WIC) is an independent not-forprofit organisation that bridges the gap between recruiters, contractors and employees. And there are other enterprises, like Chicks with Bricks and Lady Builder, that make the issue more approachable, if somewhat infantilising.

Roma Agrawal, one of the structural engineers on the Shard, has long been a role model for diversity. Her new book, Built, not only depicts her love for structures but espouses unsung female constructors whose stories have been buried under centuries of misogyny. One

September 2018

“I have the feeling that there were very entrepreneurial women around, but their stories have been lost”

memorable account is of the manufacture of the Brooklyn Bridge in the 1870s. When chief engineer John Roebling died, his son Washington took over – only to become ill himself. After secretly teaching herself engineering, Washington’s wife Emily stepped in and managed the completion of the bridge. ‘I have the feeling,’ Agrawal says, ‘that there were very entrepreneurial women around, but their stories have been lost.’

Part of the problem lies in how women are advised in their career choices. Apprenticeships are being shunted in favour of universities, when often academia and a £50,000 student debt to boot only adds to the surplus of overqualified undergraduates unable to find work. In universities, there is an overwhelming gender gap in subject choice, with men outnumbering women in the STEM courses beneficial to positions in engineering and construction. In response to this, Balfour Beatty has cultivated a partnership with educators to boost uptake of STEM subjects. In a similar vein, Amey has launched a

ABOVE Brooklyn Bridge, construction of which was overseen by Emily Roebling

STEM ambassador scheme to visit schools and youth groups such as Girl Guides.

It is essential that we keep conversations about diversity flowing. Other typically ‘male’ vocations such as plumbing, computer programming and carpentry are still rife with imbalance and urgently need addressing. The gates have been opened: let’s hope they stay that way.

15

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