IWD 2025: Building a bright future in a male-dominated industry

In celebration of International Women's Day, Coventry native Izzy Ward is paving the way for young women in construction.

The 19 year old is studying for a degree apprenticeship in construction management at the University College of Estate Management and working with construction group Mace.

Izzy began her apprenticeship in 2023, drawn to the opportunity to gain both practical experience and currently works as an assistant project manager on The Connect Programme at The University of Warwick.

The investment by the university will focus on the social sciences and STEM subjects, the latter of which will form the first phase of the programme.

In this role, Izzy is deeply involved in the enabling works as part of the STEM Connect project which will see new facilities delivered on campus.

She will soon be engaged in technical design activities and her responsibilities include stakeholder and client management, contract reviews, procurement, tendering and planning workshops.

Izzy said: "I didn't want to move away from home but also gaining experience and a degree together seemed like the best and most valuable route for me.

"Being in meetings and absorbing conversations has been invaluable. I'm constantly learning by doing.

"The construction degree provides a strong foundation in the legal and regulatory aspects of the industry, which is essential for planning and ensuring safety on-site and I know the skills I'm building are transferable and will serve me well throughout my career."

Despite entering a field where women traditionally remain underrepresented, Izzy has found support and encouragement, including through Mace's 'Women at Mace' network and her team. She said:

"It's not unusual to see women on construction sites nowadays, and I've never been treated differently. It's great to see more women in larger projects like this, and the network makes me feel supported."

Izzy spends four days on-site and dedicates Fridays to her degree work.