Women are taking many of the key roles involved in delivering the new IMPACT building for the College of Engineering and by highlighting their roles they hope to help attract women and girls to consider STEM careers (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) where they are under-represented.

The IMPACT building construction project has an exceptionally high proportion of female professionals in key roles including Client Project Managers and Academics, Architects, a Building Services Engineer, Structural Engineer, Construction Manager and Community Liaison Officer.

The Kier construction team is working closely with Senior Lecturers within the College of Engineering to facilitate student site visits and develop the curriculum, embedding resources generated by the project.

Fiona Nixon, Head of Projects and Planning, Swansea University said: "This is a first in my career in the construction industry. I’m delighted to see so many women leading in their disciplines on this project. It demonstrates the range of opportunities in the industry that are available to all. There are high targets set across all the organisations involved to increase diversity in the work force particularly in technical roles, and it’s great to see the results of years of hard work."

Amy Griffiths, IMPACT Building Site Manager from Kier said:  “I have worked in the construction industry for more than 7 Years and it’s great to see so many women working on such a brilliant project.

“Kier has a longstanding record in recruiting, training and promoting career opportunities for women in construction. Women play a pivotal role in our business which can be seen in areas such as design, engineering, quantity surveying and commercial roles, to name a few."

Dr Clare Wood, Senior Lecturer in College of Engineering said: “The College of Engineering is proud hold the Bronze Athena SWAN Award for its commitment to gender equality, and in Civil Engineering in particular it is exciting that we have so many female Civil Engineers driving the development of new teaching, collaboration with industry and programme development. We want young women considering University study in STEM subjects to look at Civil Engineering and realise the potential that it has for a creative, analytical, challenging, rewarding career that really can change lives, build communities and make our environment better.” 

Pictured: L-R Clare Wood, Senior Lecturer, College of Engineering, Swansea University, Amy Griffiths – Site Manager, Kier, Barbara Sos –Senior Architect, AHR, Architects and Principal Designers, Kate Leighton – Associate, AECOM, Structural Engineer, Sarah Gealy  -  Regional Director, AECOM, M&E Services Engineer, Amanda Swoboda – Community Liaison Officer, Kier, Fiona Nixon –Head of Projects and Planning, Swansea University.