Poppy Whittle is a technical trainee at Keepmoat
When I first stepped into the construction industry at just 16, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. It’s no secret that construction has long been a male-dominated field, and I wasn’t sure if I’d be working with many other women. I also didn’t expect how much I would grow to love it!
“When young women see others like them flourishing in construction it makes the path feel more accessible and more inclusive”
I started my career at MCI Developments as a technical and land administrator and now, at 19, I’m a technical trainee. My journey has been a real mix of hands-on learning and more traditional education.
When I joined, I attended college one day a week to complete my ONC in civil engineering, knowing that gaining technical knowledge would be crucial to my success. I also made sure to get involved in internal and external meetings, taking notes to get a better understanding of the different processes and aspects within the technical department. Balancing work and study was challenging at times, but the support I received from my tutors, colleagues and family made all the difference.
No two days are the same
One of the things I love about my role is the variety it brings. No two days are the same. Some days, I’m in meetings taking notes, absorbing as much knowledge as I can from engineers, consultants and site teams. Other days, I’m more hands-on, contributing to technical processes that help bring housing projects to life. Seeing a finished home, knowing that I played a role in making it happen, fills me with a sense of pride and accomplishment.
Despite my positive experiences, I can’t ignore the challenges that women face in this industry. While things are changing, there are still fewer women in the industry, especially within leadership roles. However at MCI Developments and across Keepmoat, I get the pleasure of working with inspirational women in leadership roles across multiple disciplines including technical, construction, land and HR.
Visibility is so important. When young women see others like them flourishing in construction it makes the path feel more accessible and more inclusive. That’s why I was thrilled to be given the opportunity to mentor another young woman completing her work experience at MCI through the Women into Construction initiative.
By sharing my journey, I hope to show her and others that construction isn’t just a place for men and that it really is such a rewarding and valuable career. Mentoring has also been a learning experience for me. It has allowed me to develop leadership skills, build my confidence and reflect on how much I’ve grown since I first started my career.
I’m really proud that my hard work has been recognised too – I recently headed up to Keepmoat’s head office in Doncaster where I was presented with a company award.
Education and training opportunities are also key. MCI has supported me in developing my knowledge and skills. I’ve completed an asbestos training course, and legal documentation training, and I’m now working toward my HNC in civil engineering, which is equivalent to the first year of a university degree.
Lastly, creating a more inclusive workplace culture is crucial. While attitudes are shifting, there’s still work to be done in making job sites and offices more welcoming to women. This includes fostering environments where women’s contributions are valued and ensuring there are clear paths for career progression.
I’m excited about my future in construction. I look forward to bolstering my leadership skills and helping other women step into the industry.
