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As part of the #BuildingEquality 2018 Campaign, Edel Corrigan, Senior Health & Safety Manager, Flynn Management & Contractors, shares her story as a woman in construction.
With my father being involved in the construction industry and an avid DIYer, I had no choice as the eldest of two girls to be his apprentice in his DIY adventures from a young age. This sparked my interest in the Construction Sector.
At school I found subjects like Maths, Physics and Technology most interesting. I was lucky that in an all-girls school I had the opportunity to study all three and to have a teacher that was very encouraging and supportive of becoming involved in the construction sector.
I went on to college to study Construction Studies & Building Surveying. However, after a short work placement, I discovered Health and Safety was for me. It appealed to me straight away as it covers such a wide range of issues and no two days are guaranteed to be the same.
I have been extremely lucky to have had exceptional role models and mentors throughout my career, particularly in my time with Flynn Management & Contractors, all of which have been male. I believe that we all, women and men, have a responsibility to enable and promote women in the industry to ensure they gain the experience and knowledge to become industry leaders.
Everyone within the construction industry needs to share their experience and knowledge with others, particularly younger women who are mapping out their career paths. I have spent the majority of my time on construction sites over the past 12 years, and can recall each and every woman I have crossed paths with as there have been so few. This needs to change. More needs to be done to advise women of the range of trades and professions within the industry.
I’m lucky to work in a profession that I enjoy and love. I’m committed to help mentor and advice other women who have an interest in developing a career in this sector and plan to hold others accountable to doing the same.
To learn more about the #BuildingEquality campaign and to share your own story, please visit our dedicated page here