embracing equity for international women's day
 

The leading construction materials supplier, which has its headquarters at Coalville in Leicestershire and sites across the country, is marking the annual day which this year falls on Wednesday April 8 with the theme of “Embracing Equity”.

The company will be supporting a host of initiatives including launching a new mentoring scheme for female colleagues, holding a company wide Listening Circle event alongside a series of divisional and local events and offerings such as webinars, discussion panels and networking lunches.

Its Women’s Affinity Network is co-ordinating many of the activities across the business.

Phil Norah, Aggregate Industries Executive Committee Member Lead for Gender Balance, said: “First and foremost we are an inclusive company and want to create a culture where every employee is respected, can be themselves and feels valued for their talents.

“As part of our ongoing work to embed our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion strategy across the business, we have committed to obtaining a talent gender balance by strengthening the representation of females in our organisation and through promotion opportunities.

“What is important about International Women’s Day is it allows us to celebrate the contributions and achievements of the women in Aggregate Industries and show girls and women that there are no barriers and you too can enjoy a career in this industry and be successful.”

Danielle Dawson joined the business through our Higher Apprenticeship route in 2017 and is now Product Development Manager for in our Concrete Products division with a focus on new innovation and technology and helping develop low carbon products.

Danielle said: “We still need to see more women in the industry to continue to help that change and we need to continue to encourage younger girls and women to consider a career in construction.

“There is so much potential to make a difference. You can help make things better for the future which really resonates with my generation.

“My advice would be - be brave and make the jump. I have been treated fantastically and have absolutely no regrets. I feel like I’m actually making a difference personally and wider in our bid to reach our net-zero targets.”

Elinore Smith is a Dump Truck Operative at the Glensanda superquarry in western Scotland after being inspired to drive trucks by her Dad, who worked at the quarry 30 years ago.

As a single mum Elinore did a range of jobs to support her young family but as her daughters became older and more independent she decided to follow her dreams and is now driving 100 tonne trucks.

Elinore’s role involves collecting blasted granite from the quarry benches and transporting it either to the crusher or the stockpile.

She said: “There’s lots involved in the role. One day you could hauling granite the next developing and repairing haul roads and ramps making this a very varied and challenging job. 

“I love working here. The views from the top of the quarry are amazing and I feel lucky that it is my office window.

“I am truly living my dream. This job is challenging, rewarding, terrifying and exciting. I have felt like I have fitted in and been accepted from day one. It is like a family. How many people can say they get butterflies of excitement every time they go to start their job?”

For more information on a career with Aggregate Industries visit our Careers pages. We are still actively recruiting to our 2023 Apprenticeship Scheme which includes a range of countrywide opportunities. Visit our Early Careers website here.