Celebrating National Careers Week, International Women’s Day, and Women in Construction Week
At Axis, we are committed to promoting career development and equality in the construction industry.
Across National Careers Week (03/03 – 07/03), Women In Construction Week (03/03 – 07/03), and International Women’s Day (08/03), our team actively participated in events that support the Axis values, engaging with young people, professionals, and colleagues to inspire individuals into construction and improve the industry for everyone.
Here’s a look at some of the key activities we took part in:
Richmond Housing Partnership International Women’s Day Careers Talk (4 March)
Adila Gredelj (Customer Service Manager) represented Axis at this insightful event, sharing her experiences and career journey in construction. She provided valuable advice to attendees about opportunities in the industry and was able to hear from other inspirational women.
About the event, Adila said ‘It was a great day! It was so nice to see many women interested in construction industry once they realised that they can progress in the industry in many ways and achieve their goals. It was also great seeing many women sharing their own ideas and experiences.’
London Nautical School Careers Fair (5 March)
Michelle Workman (Apprentice Co-Ordinator) attended this amazing careers fair, engaging with students and discussing various pathways into construction. She highlighted apprenticeship opportunities, the work Axis do in communities, and roles available within the industry!
Michelle shared ‘The London Nautical School Careers Fair was a fantastic opportunity to connect with all of their students, sparking great engagement with plenty of apprenticeship questions.’
Women in Construction Group Meeting (5 March)
Our Women in Construction Group convened to discuss ongoing initiatives and future projects aimed at supporting women in construction. The group explored everything from professional development opportunities for female colleagues through to volunteering opportunities.
Over the next couple of months, the group are carrying out volunteering projects with Peabody’s Haven House (a women’s refuge), The Magpie Project in Newham and The School Outreach Company in RB Greenwich and Lewisham. Keep your eyes peeled for further information!
Charlton Athletic Club Trust’s Careers Event (6 March)
David Leonard (Apprentice Mentor), Emily Scott (CSR Intern), and Benn Maggs (Apprentice Plumber) represented Axis at this event, helping young people in Greenwich explore careers in construction at the Charlton FC stadium. The participants came from a variety of background including NEETs referred by the local job centre across to local sixth form students. The team shared insights on different roles within the industry, the skills required, and how to build a successful career in the sector.
Emily said ‘We met some really lovely local students and young people who will go on to have bright careers in construction. It was amazing getting to share an insight into careers with Axis and what working in this industry is like! We’re hopeful to have some successful outcomes from the event.’
Women in Construction Webinar with SOC (6 March)
Michelle Workman and Navlett Simei-Bent (Recruitment Manager) led an engaging webinar in collaboration with the School Outreach Company. They were joined by apprentice Lauren Karahan (Apprentice Plumber) and former apprentice Francesca Fordham (Site Manager), who shared their inspiring journeys into the industry.
The session provided attendees – ranging from students, to teachers, to parents/carers – with practical advice and motivation to pursue careers in construction, as well as a dive into working in the construction industry as women.
On the webinar, Rachel Etheridge (Account Manager at the School Outreach Company) said ‘It was a super event. Michelle and Navlett were fab presenters and apprentice representatives Fran and Lauren were really engaging and relatable!’
International Women’s Day Celebration at Lewisham Park Towers (6 March)
Our team at Lewisham Park Towers hosted a vibrant International Women’s Day event, featuring games, networking opportunities, and traditional henna painting. The event brought together community members to celebrate the contributions of women.
Debbie Fadare, RLO and the event organiser, said ‘Recognizing our small advancements, honouring the accomplishments, and concentrating on future possibilities. The women of Lewisham Park Towers united to celebrate one another in a wonderful gathering. There were games, health discussions, neck and shoulder massages, henna painting, networking, and food. It was a time of self-recognition for every woman present and a time to appreciate each other’
IWD 5K Run at Olympic Park (8 March)
Linda Fontaine (Customer Service Advisor) took part in a challenging 5K run at the Olympic Park to mark International Women’s Day and support Breast Cancer Now.
Linda’s dedication to raising awareness for breast cancer and celebrating women’s achievements is inspiring. The event brought together runners of all abilities to support a vital cause. Well done Linda!
Linda said ‘It was a lovely day was well organised there were over 1000 runners. Everyone was friendly and helpful, there were lots of give aways – healthy, mind you! There was a warm up before we started our race and a lot of volunteers helping out and also cheering you on there where clear signals on where to run if your 5k or 10k. I would differently recommend to my friends and family. I will be running again soon watch this space!’
A huge thank you to everyone who participated in and supported these events! Your dedication and contributions are instrumental in driving positive change and inspiring individuals into construction.
