Welsh housebuilder celebrates 5-year anniversary of women’s mentorship scheme

This week (25th September) local housebuilder, Barratt Developments South Wales, is celebrating five years since the launch of its career development scheme for women — the Catalyst programme. 

Launched in 2018, the programme offers training and mentorship to Barratt’s female employees — thereby shining a light on their success and providing staff members with the support and skills they need to promote themselves within the male dominated industry. 

The scheme’s participants have almost doubled since 2018, with more than 58 women — including sales advisors and site mangers — attending this year’s AGM. 

Paula Weston-Dimond, Senior Sales Manager at Barratt Homes South Wales, who was a part of the first cohort of women in the Catalyst programme, is now one of the scheme’s key mentors. 

Alongside a host of other actions, Paula meets monthly with Aisha Begum, a Graduate Technical Innovation Co-Ordinator — to discuss her experiences and focus on her path for progression within the company. 

Paula said: “It is fantastic to be a part of a company that takes women’s careers so seriously. During my 27 years at Barratt, I have never been held back by being part of a male dominated workforce.

“Becoming a mentor has been a great experience too — with both Aisha and myself benefiting enormously. I love being able to offer advice based on my own experiences, so watching her growing in confidence in her role has been very rewarding.

“My advice to women hoping to enter a career in the housebuilding industry, is to take all of the opportunities you can and not to be intimidated. If you remember and truly believe that every member of the team is valuable, your voice and opinion will be heard.”

Zoe Cairns, Diversity and Inclusion Graduate, at Barratt said “We believe the best way to promote the housing industry as a career path for women is through role models both on-site, and in leadership positions. We strive to shine a light on women’s success — with the aim of encouraging future generations to see themselves within our industry’.

“We’re proud that 31.32% of our workforce are female — more than double the UK industry average — but we know there is still much more to be done.”

To find out more about Barratt careers and homes in South Wales, please visit: www.barratthomes.co.uk/new-homes/wales/south-wales/.