This Is What Real Construction Looks Like

International Women in engineering day – 23rd June

When people picture the construction industry, too often they see hard hats and hi-vis… and not much else. They picture muddy boots, tough talk, and a “man’s world” shaped by decades of tradition and testosterone. But step inside Auburn Group and the reality tells a very different story.

At Auburn, over 30% of the workforce are women — and a third of the board.

Not a target. Not a quota. Just a reflection of what happens when you build a business around skills, values, and culture — not outdated assumptions.

From engineering, surveying and commercial management to business development, HR, and the boardroom, women are helping shape Auburn’s success every day. And while there may not (yet) be female site managers in hi-vis on the ground, the impact women are making on site performance, delivery, and project leadership is undeniable.

Busting the Myths

Too many people still believe that construction is about brawn over brains. That it's physical, not professional. Or that it’s only suited to a certain ‘type’ of person. But Auburn’s people — both women and men — are calling that out.

April:

Construction isn’t just bricks, dirt and cement.

“Construction isn’t just bricks, dirt and cement,” says April Fury, who originally joined the sector by chance.

“It’s planning, organisation, and solving problems with professional, kind people. I only wish I’d discovered it earlier.”

“Strength in construction isn’t about lifting things,” adds Kerryann King, who works in business development. “It’s about resilience. Showing up. Problem-solving. Proving your worth.”

“There’s a very professional side to construction,” says Karey Waller, who works in Finance. “It’s not just men with a van. You’re working with Quantity Surveyors, Commercial Managers — people who run serious projects.”

And it’s not just women saying this. The men of Auburn are proud to speak up too.

“Anyone who still thinks construction is a man’s world? They’re dinosaurs,” says Tony Fawcett. “The industry is changing, and it’s changing for the better.”

“Women bring a new dimension to the team,” says Geoff Sawyer.

“Less bravado. More balance. A more professional, respectful culture.”

“Over 50% of the projects we are currently working on are either led or overseen by women,” says John Trenaman. “For me, there is no differentiation on what is brought to a project by either a man or woman.”

“I have worked with, trained and reported to women and have found no difference — in a positive way,” adds Andy Henderson. “They bring a different perspective that can help lead to a more rounded and complete answer.”

“There’s no reason women shouldn’t be here — and every reason they should,” says Mike Wells. “It’s time the industry moved on. At Auburn, we already have.”

Kerryann:

There are so many opportunities to learn and grow while doing the job.

Engineering a Better Future

The truth is, engineering plays a massive role in Auburn’s delivery — from structural and M&E design to commercial and digital innovation. But encouraging more women into the field isn’t just about filling roles. It’s about showing young women that they can — and should — see themselves in this space.

“You can climb the ladder quickly here,”

says Kerryann. “There are so many opportunities to learn and grow while doing the job.”

“It’s not just trades,” adds Helen Bond. “There’s surveying, finance, project management, HR… the roles are so varied. And here, everyone’s contribution is genuinely valued.”

What Comes Next?

There’s still work to do. Auburn knows the sector can do more to create welcoming, visible pathways into construction for women — especially younger generations. But that starts by telling the truth: that construction is not what people think it is.

It’s fast-paced, yes — but also full of opportunity, progress, and purpose. It needs thinkers, leaders, planners, and problem-solvers — not just people who can handle a spade.

And at Auburn, women are helping lead the charge.