The Home Builders Federation (HBF) has launched the seventh cohort of its Women into Home Building programme — marking its biggest intake to date.
Following the Spring 2025 intake, the latest cohort will see over 45 placements offered across England, Scotland, and Wales, with more home builders than ever before hosting women on active construction sites.
The initiative is designed to introduce more women to careers in site management, offering hands-on experience and direct exposure to potential employers. It has become a cornerstone of the industry’s efforts to build a diverse talent pipeline and foster a more inclusive workforce.
By connecting participants with real-world opportunities and promoting visibility of women in leadership pathways, the programme reinforces the sector’s commitment to attracting the next generation of skilled professionals.
The programme is also a crucial component of the newly launched Home Building Sector Skills Plan, which sets out a blueprint for the industry to grow and develop a resilient future workforce to deliver housing targets. With women currently accounting for just 16% of the construction workforce and only 4% of site managers, the programme plays a crucial role in addressing the sector’s gender imbalance.
Participants of the programme attend a week of funded online training and insight sessions, designed to build foundational knowledge in site management. This is followed by a two-week work experience placement at a local home building site, providing direct exposure to industry operations and leadership responsibilities. To ensure that the programme is as accessible as possible, contributions towards travel and childcare costs are also provided.
Andy George, director of Industry Attraction and Skills at HBF, said: “The success of the Women into Home Building programme is a testament to how the industry is proactively working to enhance diversity and develop a skilled and inclusive workforce. These efforts play a vital role in attracting a wider talent pool into the sector.
“As a leading voice in the industry, we are committed to supporting entry routes for women and the practical steps being taken to widen participation. Our initiative offers an opportunity for women around the UK to gain valuable skills and progress into future industry management and leadership roles.”
The application window closes at midnight on Sunday 21 September. Those interested are encouraged to apply at pathwayctm.com/wihb.
