At NOCN Group, we believe that addressing this imbalance isn’t just about fairness - it’s about securing the future of the industry.

Recent conversations, convened by Women in Construction, have highlighted the multifaceted challenges women face in entering and thriving in construction. From recruitment practices to site culture, the barriers are real. So too are the opportunities.

On Friday 26th September, we attended the Women in Construction Awards and were proud to sponsor and present the award for the Inclusive Company category. The event was a powerful celebration of the achievements of women across the sector and a reminder of how far we’ve come - and how far we still have to go. The following week, NOCN Group Head of Product Tracey Patmore joined an all-female Women in Construction panel event as part of UK Construction Week. Discussions like these are incredibly valuable, bringing together experts from across the industry to tackle important issues and help drive progress towards a more diverse and inclusive construction workforce. Here are some of the most salient reflections from both events.

Creating Space for Women to Thrive

One of the most pressing issues is retention. A third of women leave the construction sector within five years, often due to environments that weren’t designed with them in mind. Inclusive PPE, flexible working patterns, and family-friendly policies are not just “nice to have”, they’re essential. Cultural shifts are needed to challenge outdated norms and make construction a place where everyone can belong and succeed.

Leadership and Visibility Matter

With only 16% of board-level roles held by women, visibility and mentorship are key. Role models and sponsorship programmes can help accelerate women into leadership positions, while also inspiring the next generation. Changing the format and expectations around leadership pathways is vital to ensure diverse talent can rise.

Pairing Equity and Innovation

The gender pay gap in construction remains one of the highest across all sectors, estimated at over 20%. Transparency and practical measures to close this gap are critical. But beyond equity, diversity brings innovation. Research shows that gender-diverse teams are more productive and better at problem-solving. Women often advocate for digital tools, foster inclusive communication, and help reduce conflict on site, contributions that benefit everyone.

Inspiring the Next Generation

We must also look to the future. Fewer than 5% of construction apprentices are female, and stories shared at the UK Construction Week panel revealed how young women are still being discouraged from pursuing trades. With nearly a million young people not in education, employment or training (NEETs), we must ask: how many are girls, and what are we doing to reach them?

Why NOCN Group Supports Inclusion

At NOCN Group, we are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion across the built environment. We support inclusive recruitment practices, training programmes, and recognition initiatives that celebrate women’s achievements. Events like the Women in Construction Awards and panel event play a vital role in amplifying voices and showcasing the impact women are making across the sector.

Inclusion isn’t just a goal - it’s a strategy for growth, innovation, and resilience. By supporting women at every stage of their journey, we can build a construction industry that reflects the society it serves and is equipped for the challenges ahead.