In this article, Savannah Williams Duberry, architectural assistant apprentice at L&Q tells PBC Today about her role in the sector, women in construction, and attracting new talent
Tell us a little about yourself and your role in the sector.
My name is Savannah and I’m an architectural assistant apprentice working in the Design and Technical team at L&Q. I was based on the Addiscombe Road site in Croydon for nearly two years, at a residential development that will create 137 new homes in the area. More recently I’ve been working at the former Kodak factory site in Wealdstone.
What drew you to the construction industry?
Originally, I was drawn to interiors and the aesthetic side of designing a building, but the structural elements always intrigued me too. I’m someone that pays attention to the details, whilst also looking at the bigger picture.
I’d see buildings such as the Walt Disney concert hall and notice their unique forms and structures. After doing some research, I discovered that throughout all my interests, the common denominator was architecture. This discovery opened my eyes to the wider construction sector and its various roles and opportunities.
The apprenticeship route was appealing as the ability to gain on the job training in the design field is rare. Not only am I working towards a degree level qualification, but I’m also gaining exposure to live projects and industry professionals whilst working on site. I’m taking what I’ve learnt and putting it into practice in real time.
What does an average day look like for you, and what do you enjoy the most about your role?
No day is ever the same – I’m always learning something new, facing fresh challenges and working with different parts of the team. If I were to describe a typical one, it would usually involve reviewing design drawings, meeting with external architects, engineers and mechanical engineering consultants, and responding to Requests for Information (RFIs) from subcontractors.
Working for a developer that is also a housing association means I’m not just tied to the architectural side of the built environment sector. Whether it is dealing with planning applications, assessing building regulations or examining design proposals, I’ve gained an understanding of the whole construction process inside and out and from start to finish.
All of this comes together when you’re on site and it’s rewarding to see the fruits of your labour come to life.
Do you think the construction sector has made improvements in recruiting and retaining women?
I think the sector has made progress and things are moving in the right direction. Women in construction have more opportunities in the workplace than ever before.
When I started work, I was surprised to find that the industry is much more diverse than I thought it would be. The boy’s club stereotype is exactly that: a stereotype.
At Addiscombe Road in Croydon, the site team is made up of people from all different backgrounds, genders and ages. There are no boy’s roles and girl’s roles and it’s a positive and supportive environment to work in. I can’t speak for other places, but I’ve always felt respected and never been made to feel uncomfortable.
Historically, women in construction missed out on the support of a network: a safe space to discuss their ambitions, explore challenges and share advice. Now women’s networks are going from strength to strength, providing the support women need to reach their potential.
Looking ahead, what do you think the industry could improve on in terms of diversity and inclusion?
Great strides have been made to improve gender representation, so now efforts to recruit young talent need to catch up. Information and taster days can give young people a flavour of the sector’s trades, many of whom might not have considered a career in construction due to a lack of role models, careers advice and parental encouragement.
Yet rarely do these take place in schools, colleges, or universities. Construction isn’t presented as an option for students, let alone a rewarding and well-paid career.
The solution? As an industry, we need to boost young peoples’ understanding of alternative vocations and equip them with knowledge on what a career in construction entails. By promoting the various roles on offer, and creating more work experience placements, the sector will demonstrate that it is truly a profession for all.
