Three women at Warrington-based Taylor Wimpey North West, including a Land Manager, Technical Trainee and Marketing Manager, are sharing their experiences during Women’s History Month to empower others considering a career in the construction industry.
Megan Holden, Land Manager at Taylor Wimpey North West, based at Birchwood, acquires new development opportunities across the region and works with internal teams and external stakeholders to assess sites, progress deals and planning applications, and support the early stages of delivery.
Discovering her interest at school on a land and planning course, Megan has never looked back. Involved from the very beginning of a project, she helps to shape how a site is delivered.
She said: “No two sites are ever the same, so I’m constantly learning. Seeing a development I’ve worked on come to life and become home to a new community is still one of the most rewarding parts of my job.
“The land and construction sectors have traditionally been very male-dominated, but the industry is changing. Since joining housebuilding, I’ve seen more women step into senior leadership roles and create space for others to follow. In the North West especially, there’s now a strong and growing community of talented women across the land and planning disciplines, and the industry is better for it.”
Taylor Wimpey North West is committed to encouraging an inclusive culture, with women currently representing 37% of employees across the division.
When asked what advice she’d give to young women looking to start a career in construction, Megan said: “Don’t be afraid to champion your skills. Women bring valuable perspectives and approaches that can make a real difference in an industry. Seek out people who will support your growth, offer guidance and help you build confidence in your abilities.
“Women’s History Month is an opportunity to recognise the contributions of women past and present and celebrate the incredible network of women around us. It’s also a reminder of the importance of creating environments where everyone’s contribution is recognised and respected.”
After finishing university, Amalia Tohitau, a Technical Trainee at Taylor Wimpey North West, was keen to pursue a career that offered variety in her day-to-day work.
She said: “I like the idea of no day being the same, and going into construction meant that I could get the best of both worlds. One day I’m on site and the next I’m meeting consultants, there’s always something different to be doing.”
A typical day for Amalia includes visiting sites, meetings with subcontractors, producing drawings on CAD and working with several other teams, including engineers and land managers.
She added: “For anyone looking to start a career in the industry, my advice would be to go for it. There are so many roles for women in construction and people can often be surprised to see how diverse the industry is.
“Women’s History Month is about celebrating the achievements of women and supporting each other. By lifting each other up,we can help create more opportunities for future generations.
Lucy Houlihan, Marketing Manager at Taylor Wimpey North West, said her role highlights the breadth of professional careers available across the housebuilding industry.
She said: “My initial interest in the role stemmed from a longstanding love for property. Combined with a position that offers and supports a strong work-life balance, it’s the perfect role for me.
“My role has a huge variety, from managing our website and planning events to running media campaigns and creating customer emails. No two days are the same.
“A common misconception about the construction industry is that it’s purely manual. While our site teams play a vital role, the industry is diverse with many professional roles. Beyond the bricks there’s a whole range of career opportunities available in this sector.
“Women’s History Month is a chance to celebrate the impact women have across all areas of the industry, while recognising the progress that has been made and the steps we can continue to take to support women in the future.
To find out more about the range of careers at Taylor Wimpey, visit www.taylorwimpey.co.uk/jobs
