Women into Home Building

Strengthening Recruitment and Diversity in the Sector

The Initiative:

As the housing industry continues to face constraints that limit its ability to increase supply, companies are also challenged to build and maintain a skilled workforce. Recruitment is central to meeting these ambitions, but limited supply growth makes it difficult for firms to train the people who will be needed when demand rises.

One initiative helping to close this gap is the Women into Home Building programme, designed to attract more women into site-based management roles and strengthen the industry’s recruitment pipeline.

The Home Builders Federation (HBF) has now announced the launch of the seventh cohort, with a record number of housebuilders taking part. The autumn 2025 programme will offer more than 45 placements across England, Scotland, and Wales.

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Who is taking part?

Established in 2023, the programme has quickly become a key driver of talent and inclusivity in the sector. Participants complete a week of funded online training, followed by a two-week placement with a local housebuilder, gaining hands-on experience and exposure to leadership opportunities. Travel and childcare costs are also supported to ensure accessibility.

With women representing just 4% of site managers, historical stereotypes and biases, lack of visible role models, and low awareness of the variety of roles within construction continue to deter underrepresented groups. This scheme plays a vital role in tackling the industry’s gender imbalance and reflects best practice in diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Since launch, more than 230 women have gained training, advice, and exposure to careers in housebuilding. Thirteen housebuilders are sponsoring placements in this cohort, including Anwyl Homes, Bargate Homes, Bellway Homes, Crest Nicholson, Gleeson Homes, Hill Group, Pentland Homes, Prospect Homes, Stonebond, Taylor Wimpey, Untypical, Vistry Group, and Wates Residential.

Our Recruitment Perspective

Building a More Inclusive Future

The launch of this new cohort is more than just a milestone for the industry — it highlights how recruitment can drive real change in addressing skills shortages and barriers to entry.

Initiatives like Women into Home Building are vital in two ways:

Broadening the talent pipeline – With ongoing workforce shortages, the sector cannot afford to overlook underrepresented groups. Programmes that remove barriers, provide hands-on training, and create real career pathways help employers access a wider pool of motivated talent.

Driving inclusion and retention – Recruitment isn’t only about bringing people in, but ensuring they thrive. By fostering inclusive environments, employers strengthen retention and build long-term capability.