According to Forbes, females account for just 15% of the construction workforce in the UK*, a figure which has seen no improvement in a number of years. blu-3’s Lead Planner Marta Coll explains why more women in the sector is a win-win…

What’s your role at blu-3?

“I started working with blu-3 in 2018. My role as Lead Planner is varied and busy; I oversee projects in the UK and Ireland and I’m involved in every phase of construction, from tender stage to build completion. It is my responsibility to monitor the progress of our projects and support our delivery team to complete the works on time and within budget without compromising on safety or quality. I also have two graduate planners in my team that I manage and coach to progress within their planning careers.”

How does blu-3 support diversity in the workplace?

“My male colleagues are really appreciative of having a more diverse workforce and see the benefits it can bring to every project; a variety of people means a wider perspective to finding solutions to complex challenges. Everyone at blu-3 understands the value in inspiring future generations of all backgrounds to consider a career in the sector.

“blu-3 offers ongoing training opportunities to all its employees and proactively supports its workforce in expanding their skills to reach high-level positions. I was enrolled on the leadership programme in 2022; the course is designed for managerial staff development and educates individuals on how to be an effective leader. This includes understanding how to better respect all opinions and views regardless of age, cultural background, physical abilities and disabilities, race, religion, gender, and sexual orientation.

“Recently, blu-3 visited numerous universities across the country to meet students at career fayres and speak about the varied career paths on offer – these talks are often led by female role models from various departments at blu-3, sharing their personal experiences of working in a male-dominated industry, to help inspire young women.”

To find out more about blu-3 and employment opportunities, visit careers.blu-3.co.uk.