Breaking Barriers: How Hawes Construction Group Empowers Women in Construction and STEM

At Hawes Construction Group, we’re committed to challenging the status quo in an industry where women remain significantly underrepresented. With recent statistics showing that only 1% of skilled tradespeople in construction are women, and just 16% of senior positions are held by women, we recognise there’s still a long way to go to achieve gender equality in our sector. 

Leading by Example 

Our commitment to gender diversity starts at the top. Company Director Sarra Hawes began her construction career in 1988 as a Management Trainee at Walter Llewellyn & Sons. At that time, the industry landscape was vastly different, with fewer opportunities for women. Determined to break barriers, Sarra quickly rose through the ranks to become the company’s first-ever female Site Manager, overseeing various contracts across South East England. 

Today, at Hawes Construction Group, we’re proud that over 50% of our office staff are women, including: 

• Sarra Hawes, Company Director 

• Lisa Pickard, Business Development Manager 

• Janene French, Surveyor 

• Sara King, Accounts Manager 

• Molly Wild, Management Trainee 

Sarra’s journey from management trainee to company director demonstrates what’s possible for women in construction. After balancing family life with part-time work and taking a career break, she co-founded Hawes Construction Group with her husband Bruce in 2013, creating a business that actively champions gender diversity. 

Supporting Young Women in Construction 

We’re passionate about nurturing the next generation of female construction professionals. From working as an enterprise advisor in local secondary schools to acting as a STEM Ambassador for the Construction Industry Training Board, Sarra regularly shares her knowledge and experience with young women considering careers in construction. 

T-Level student Marley, who spends one day a week with us while studying for a qualification in Design, Surveying & Planning, says: “Everyone at the College and at Hawes have been so supportive, it’s a great environment to work in and I’ve built lots of relationships with people!” 

Our Management Trainee Molly Wild is embarking on a degree apprenticeship at the University of Brighton to become an estimator. Molly’s construction journey began at just 6 years old when her father (our Contracts Manager Jason Wild) had her taking off materials from drawings! 

Community Outreach and Inspiration 

Our commitment extends into the community, where we actively work to change perceptions about women in construction: 

• Sarra and team members regularly visit local schools, including Roedean and Bedes, to discuss construction career pathways with female students 

• We’re visiting a Brownie pack in Worthing to introduce young girls to construction through engaging activities and games 

• We participate in Women in Construction Sussex events run by ECE Architecture, including their upcoming Golf Taster day on April 1st 

Sarra was instrumental in establishing the Women in Construction Sussex group several years ago, which continues to provide valuable networking opportunities for women in the industry. 

Industry Recognition 

Sarra’s dedication to advancing women in construction hasn’t gone unnoticed. She has been shortlisted for the “Inspirational Business Women In STEM & Construction” award and recently attended a ceremony at the House of Lords (pictured above). This follows her previous shortlisting in 2023. 

As Chair of the Constructing Excellence Sussex Club (CESC) for several years, Sarra has collaborated with exceptional women across the industry—from architects and surveyors to management trainees and company directors—discussing crucial industry topics at monthly events. 

Taking Action for the Future 

“Women represent just 1% of skilled tradespeople in construction, and we’re determined to change that,” says Sarra. “We believe that by breaking down barriers and challenging stereotypes, we can attract more women into construction and support their growth and success.” 

At Hawes Construction Group, we’re committed to being part of the solution. If you’re interested in learning more about opportunities for women in construction or would like support with initiatives promoting gender diversity in the industry, please get in touch. Sarra welcomes any opportunity to champion women in construction and is always enthusiastic about speaking to students in schools and colleges across East Sussex. 

Together, we can build a more inclusive future for the construction industry.