When people picture the construction industry, they often imagine hard hats, muddy boots and busy building sites dominated by men.
But the reality for women in construction is changing. Slowly, steadily, and with purpose.
According to the Office for National Statistics, women made up approximately 15% of the UK construction workforce in 2023. Progress? Yes. Finished job? Not even close.
Building control in particular offers a unique combination of STEM skills, problem-solving and real-world impact. It is a career where technical knowledge meets practical construction experience. Yet many young women interested in science, technology, engineering and maths simply don’t realise the profession exists.
At Hertfordshire Building Control, we work with professionals across the construction industry every day, from architects and builders to major developers. Our team includes talented women working in senior leadership, technical management and site inspection roles.
In this article we explore:
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What building control actually is
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Why it is a rewarding STEM career for women
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The challenges and opportunities in the construction industry
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Real stories from women working in building control today
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How women can start a career in the profession
If you’re considering a career in construction or engineering, building control might be one of the paths you’ve never heard of.
What is Building Control?
Building control ensures that buildings are safe, energy efficient and built to the required standards under the Building Regulations.
Building control professionals review designs, inspect construction work and support builders, architects and developers throughout the building process.
Just some of the things they cover
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Structurally safety
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Fire compliance
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Energy efficiency
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Accessibility
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Ventilation
This means building control surveyors are involved in projects ranging from home extensions and schools to hospitals, apartments and commercial developments.
Unlike many construction roles, building control combines both technical knowledge, office work and on-site experience.
A typical week might include:
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Checking construction drawings for compliance
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Inspecting foundations or structural elements on site
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Advising architects on fire safety design
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Supporting builders with construction problems
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Ensuring projects meet energy efficiency standards
It is a career that blends engineering, problem-solving and communication, making it an ideal option for people who enjoy STEM subjects but also want a varied role.
Why Construction Needs More Women
Despite progress in recent years, women in construction remain significantly underrepresented across the construction sector. However, the industry is actively working to change that.
Diverse teams bring wider perspectives and stronger collaboration. In construction, that can translate into safer buildings, better design outcomes and stronger professional relationships.
The building control profession in particular, benefits from professionals who can combine:
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technical expertise
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clear communication
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collaborative problem solving
These skills are not defined by gender, yet historically, many women were never encouraged to consider careers in construction.
That is now changing. More universities, employers and industry bodies are promoting STEM pathways for women, and more organisations are supporting apprenticeships and professional development. So, the result is a profession that is slowly becoming increasingly inclusive and diverse.
Modern construction careers are also becoming more flexible. Many building control professionals now work in hybrid roles that combine site inspections with office or home-based work, allowing for greater flexibility.
The industry has also developed strong professional networks to support women entering the sector. Organisations such as CABE for Women, NAWIC (National Association of Women in Construction) and LABC provide mentoring, networking opportunities and professional development support for women building careers in the built environment.
These networks help create communities where women can share experiences, build confidence and support one another.
Real Stories: Women Working in Building Control
To understand what a career in building control really looks like, it’s helpful to hear from women working in the profession today. Here are three perspectives from experienced professionals at Hertfordshire Building Control.
Nicola Compton – Head of Technical Services
Nicola Compton has spent more than 35 years working in construction, building a career that has taken her from technical administration to senior leadership.
For Nicola, the most rewarding aspect of the profession has been the opportunity to contribute across a wide range of projects and to help develop the next generation of building control professionals.
“Working in the construction industry is really rewarding. I know that I am listened to within my organisation and haven’t regularly encountered issues with my voice being heard.”
She highlights the importance of strong team culture and professional support within organisations.
“It’s great to have the help and support of my colleagues around me. I also enjoy managing my own team and passing on the knowledge and experience I have gained throughout the years.”
Nicola has played a key role in supporting staff development within technical services, helping colleagues build confidence and progress within the profession. In 2023, her contribution to the sector was recognised nationally when she received the LABC Public Service Superstar Award.
“Receiving the award felt like receiving an Oscar. I’ll never forget that night.”
Her story reflects how building control careers can evolve over decades, offering opportunities for leadership, technical expertise and professional recognition.
Amber Jenkins – Principal Building Control Inspector
For Amber Jenkins, working in building control means spending time both on-site and in the office, solving technical challenges and helping projects move forward safely.
But when she first entered the industry around 20 years ago, female building inspectors were rare.
“In my early career, contractors would often assume I was the planning officer visiting to approve their bricks.”
She also recalls situations where builders would address male colleagues rather than her, even when she was the lead inspector.
“I’ve visited sites with a male colleague where contractors would talk to him instead of me. This even happened when I was with apprentices who they assumed were my manager.”
Despite these early challenges, Amber believes the industry has evolved significantly. She highlights moments where her technical knowledge and professional authority made a clear difference. On one site visit, for example, she identified an issue with foundation depths near an established oak tree.
After her apprentice measured the distance and confirmed the foundations were too shallow, Amber stood firm.
“I told them I wasn’t approving the depths and we would return once the correct foundations were excavated.”
Situations like this demonstrate the critical role building control surveyors play in ensuring construction is carried out safely.
Amber now encourages women considering the profession to take the leap.
“It is not a ‘man’s career’ anymore. There are women in all areas of construction now, and there is a lot more respect and understanding.”
She also emphasises the variety the role offers.
“You don’t need to know everything when you start. You learn every day in this job. Your time is split between office work and site inspections, so every day is different.”
Ruth Waters – Technical Compliance Manager
Ruth Waters has spent more than 20 years working in construction, developing extensive expertise in compliance and building standards.
For Ruth, the key to success in the industry is confidence and collaboration.
“The best approach is to remain confident, constructive and resourceful.”
She believes that respect is built through professionalism and teamwork.
“Being helpful, supportive and collaborative earns respect and appreciation from others.”
Ruth is particularly passionate about raising standards in construction and supporting the development of colleagues within the industry.
“What I enjoy most is promoting high-quality construction and sharing technical knowledge with others.”
Her work focuses on improving compliance and encouraging consistent technical standards across the built environment.
“Being able to contribute to a safer and more consistent built environment is what makes the work meaningful.”
How Women Can Start a Career in Building Control?
If you’re interested in STEM subjects, engineering or construction, building control can offer a fascinating career path.
There are several routes into the profession.
1. Apprenticeships
Building control apprenticeships allow you to earn while you learn, combining practical experience with academic study. Apprentices progress to become professionally registered qualified surveyors, while gaining valuable on-site experience.
2. University Degrees
Degrees in subjects such as:
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Building Surveying
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Construction Management
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Civil Engineering
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Architectural Technology
can lead into building control careers.
3. Career Change Pathways
Many building control professionals begin their careers in related fields such as architecture, construction trades or engineering before transitioning into compliance and inspection roles.
Why Building Control Is a Great Career Choice
Building control is a rewarding career for women interested in STEM, problem-solving and construction. The role combines technical knowledge with real-world impact, helping ensure buildings are safe, compliant and built to high standards.
For women interested in STEM, engineering or construction, it offers:
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a varied role combining technical knowledge and site experience
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opportunities for leadership and professional development
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the chance to contribute to safer buildings and stronger communities
As the industry continues to evolve, attracting more women into building control will help strengthen the profession and support the future of construction.
Interested in a career in building control?
Learn more about working with Hertfordshire Building Control on our careers page.
