Three Cala Homes site managers promote construction careers for women

Three Cala Homes assistant site managers from site across Oxfordshire have shared their stories with the aim of changing perceptions of the industry and promote careers in construction for women.

As part of the site management team, Gabriela Gherghita, Sandra Ives, and Nina Muncescu are overseeing the creation of two new communities for Oxfordshire, in Didcot and Bicester, where they are responsible for delivering over 2000 much-needed new homes for the region.

With women only representing 15% of workers in the construction industry according to the Office of National Statistics[1], Gabriela comments on the need to address the gender imbalance in the industry through education. She said: “Things are beginning to move in the right direction, but we need to break the gender stereotypes around construction much earlier.

“Why do children’s books only show male builders and truck drivers? From preschool throughout the whole education system, females should be shown that it isn’t only men who work on site. Seeing female role models in construction from a young age will help normalise women belonging on site and lead to increased diversity in the industry.”

When discussing her career journey so far, Sandra said: “I am originally from Poland, where I worked in construction for two years. I moved to the UK eight years ago and became a trainee painter and decorator, all the while building my knowledge of English and how to work on a construction site. Year after year I have learned how to achieve a high standard of build through being on Cala developments.

“I knew I wanted to get more involved with how the site was running and I was really inquisitive about how the onsite office worked. Keen to achieve a more senior level, I started asking questions about construction and the opportunities available. Things grew from there and I’m now an Assistant Site Manager with Cala. I’m really proud of where I am today and with the support of Cala, I can see a fantastic career in construction, and I’m really excited for the completion of our homes across Oxfordshire which has been a great experience to be a part of.”

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Gabriela, who works at Cala’s Kingsmere development in Bicester, always knew construction was the career path for her. She said: “I come from a long line of construction professionals in my family so it was only natural that I would enter the industry too.

“I studied civil engineering for four years at Cluj Napoca University in Romania which was a real challenge and one that certainly paid off as I graduated and went straight into a role in an industry I’m really passionate about.”

“I moved to the UK and started working for Cala Homes a year and a half ago and have not looked back since. It’s fantastic to work for a company that supports my progression, encourages my ambitions, and helps me achieve my dreams. I’d encourage any women considering a career in construction to pursue their goal, Cala Homes has guided me from strength to strength.”

For Nina, it’s the level of job satisfaction which makes a career in construction so rewarding. She said: “The best part of my role is how rewarding the job is and I’m really looking forward to seeing our Didcot and Bicester sites full of happy homeowners. I love the team collaboration, the opportunities to progress with a diverse range of jobs and being completely satisfied in my job, feeling like an essential part of a nurturing team.

“Each day on site is a new opportunity to learn and it’s great to meet different people every day. Being part of a large team that relies on good communication and working to a very high standard creates a great learning environment.”

Across Cala Homes more widely, the business is dedicated to improving diversity within construction and has pledged its commitment by becoming a Platinum Member of the Women into Construction (WIC) initiative. The independent, not-for-profit organisation aims to encourage more women into construction roles by providing recruitment, development and employability training for females across the country.

Sandra believes the sector has further to go to get more women into construction, saying: “There is definitely more we can do to encourage women into construction, and my advice for women would be to put all your doubts to one side and go for it. You might be surprised; if I can do it then you can too.

“Working with Cala has really empowered me to believe in my talent and ability and strive for my dreams. If you’re considering construction but not sure whether it’s for you, do not doubt yourself. The industry is powered by self-belief, it’s tough at times but the rewards are so worth it.”

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