McTaggart Construction leads UK industry sector in employing women

Award-winning McTaggart Construction is leading the UK industry in its push to

employ more women.

The number of female employees working for the specialist affordable home

builders is now 30% - more than double the UK industry standard of 12.6%.

Managing director Janice Russell said:

“I’m delighted we have achieved such a significant milestone and, as we celebrate Women in Construction Week, I hope our success can inspire even more women to consider a career in the industry.

“We have doubled the number of female employees in five years by investing in

training and support, developing new talent and providing opportunities for a

rewarding career across so many parts of our business.

Mrs Russell was recently recognised by her peers for Outstanding Leadership in

Home Building in the prestigious Homes For Scotland Awards. In addition, she won

Business of the Year at the Scottish Business Women’s Award 2023 and was

shortlisted for the UK Inspiring Women in Property Awards.

She added:

“As one of few women leading a construction firm, the industry has

given me a platform to grow, both as an individual and as a professional, and

Hopefully I can be a role model for other women and show them that there is no

limit to what they can achieve.”

Trainee Quantity Surveyor Jocelyn Baird, who has been with the Dalry based firm six months, said:

“I applied for a job directly after undertaking a period of work

experience at McTaggart and have loved every minute. It’s great to feel part of a

team and to have so much support as I combine a 4-year day release course at

Caledonian University with working full time.”

Receptionist & Administrator Janet Boyd has been with the company eight years. She said:

“As a working mum I have been supported and encouraged throughout

and that has encouraged me to take on new responsibilities. There are so many

office-based jobs available in construction and I love the variety and that no two

days are the same.”

Mrs Russell added:

“We have introduced a senior management course for women

and have a number of great success stories, from apprenticeships to long serving

employees. The key is ensuring everyone in the team is valued and supported and

we do that by listening and connecting with our staff to ensure we put the building

blocks in place to allow them to achieve their potential.”

McTaggart are the only homebuilder in Scotland to have been awarded Gold level

membership of The 5% Club in recognition of their investment in developing new

talent and providing training opportunities for young people.

The 5% Club is a UK movement of employer-members committed to developing

their workforce and addressing skills shortages. Gold membership is awarded to

companies that have more than 5% of their workforce in and learn

roles: Apprenticeships, Graduate schemes, and Sponsored student programmes. 

Mrs Russell added: “Women in Construction Week is a reminder of what is possible

in this industry when women are supported, inspired and encouraged.

“Building quality homes can positively change lives and communities and part of

that can be achieved by providing career paths for women, whether through

apprenticeships, skills training or on-site learning.”

Mrs Russell is speaking at a STEM event to celebrate International Women’s Day at

the Future Skills Hub at Kilwinning Campus on Friday (March 7).