PlaceMakers customer awarded for supporting women in construction

Hays’ inaugural ‘Women in Construction Awards’ recognise women who’ve achieved excellence in the construction industry and individuals who support women in construction.

Long-time PlaceMakers customer Coralie Pollard was delighted to receive recognition at Hays Recruitment’s inaugural ‘Women in Construction Awards’ in Christchurch.

Pollard, whose background includes architectural drafting, quantity surveying, project management and construction supervision, now runs the Canterbury Landmark Homes franchise with her husband Stephen.

She received the ‘Contribution for Supporting Women in Construction’ award, which was presented by Dallas Welch, acting CEO for the Ministry of Women’s Affairs.

“I was quite chuffed to receive recognition for something that I believe so strongly in,” said Pollard. “The number of women working in construction has grown significantly over recent years, but it remains a male-dominated industry and I do my best to encourage women to come on board – both through hiring and via professional communication.

“Given the sheer scope of the construction work required to rebuild Christchurch, and the ongoing skills shortages within construction, it is essential that we encourage women to consider a career in the industry. There is no doubt that they are equally as capable as men currently working in these roles.”

Of the 45 Landmark Homes Canterbury employees, six are women.

“It’s not a huge chunk but it’s growing, and we always make it clear – both in our job postings and our conversations with candidates – that we will select the best qualified person, male or female,” said Pollard.

The awards, which are the first of their kind in Christchurch, were such a success that Hays will extend the awards to Wellington and Auckland in 2015.

“The objective of the Women in Construction Awards is to support the associations that bring attention to the outstanding performance of
female construction professionals and highlight to young women the benefits of a career in construction,” said Jason Walker, managing director of Hays in New Zealand.

“Hays’ objective is for the awards to become an annual celebration of women in construction across New Zealand.”

Two other awards – ‘Women in Construction Excellence’ and ‘Outstanding Contribution to Women in Construction – Company’ were presented at the ceremony.