We’re delighted to be celebrating Women in Construction Week at the North Portsea Coastal Scheme. WICW 2025 celebrates and promotes the role of women in the construction industry. To mark an end to this brilliant week we thought we would ask two of our most loved members of staff, Amy and Rena about the work they do and what Women In Construction Week means to them.
Spotlight on… Amy
Amy is the Project Delivery Manager at the North Portsea Coastal Scheme.
What interested you about the North Portsea Coastal Scheme? And what do you enjoy most about your job?
- NPCS is a once in a lifetime opportunity to make a tangible positive impact to Portsmouth’s coastline, providing an opportunity to improve the level of flood protection to Portsea Island and improve the public space around the flood defence. The environmental enhancements which are delivered through this Scheme are also interesting, looking to ensure the flood defence supports local habitats and the environment.
I enjoy the opportunity to work with lots of like-minded people, supporting a strong team of coastal specialists, working together to deliver a successful scheme with several benefits to people, place and environment. Many people’s childhood memories are by the coast, including mine, and NPCS provides the opportunity to ensure there are good spaces for people to make those memories.
What would you say to young women thinking about going into the engineering industry today?
- Go for it, it’s a very supportive and empowering industry, especially for women!
This year’s theme, ‘Together we Rise’, celebrates the strength and knowledge of women and the vital role they play in shaping the future of the construction industry. What does this mean to you and how to you think you exhibit this in your current role?
- Throughout my career so far, I have worked with several women all on different career paths, from site supervisors, to management, to designers and beyond. As construction faces an urgent skills shortage, with an estimated 250,000 additional workers needed by 2027, women represent a key opportunity to help close this gap and drive the industry forward (link here). Engineering and construction shapes the future, and as roughly half the world’s population are women, it makes sense for women to be a part of it. In my current role, I get to work alongside several women who excel in what they do, and I can ensure that they are included in the right discussions to shape the future of the project.
Spotlight on… Rena
Rena is the Communications and Engagement Lead at the North Portsea Coastal Scheme.
What interested you about the North Portsea Coastal Scheme? And what do you enjoy most about your job?
- The North Portsea Coastal Scheme is one of the major projects in Portsmouth that is set to change the city’s infrastructure for years to come. As the Communications and Engagement Officer I have the pleasure in engaging with residents face-to-face about our project. I am very passionate about the positive impact it will have and take pride in the numerous improvements it will bring to the people of Portsmouth.
My favourite part of the job is changing people’s perceptions. When someone holds negative views, I love the challenge of turning that around. By explaining the dedication, expertise, and (environmental) considerations that have gone into the project, as well as the positive changes it will bring to the coastline, I am able to help people truly understand and appreciate the work we do.
What would you say to young women thinking about going into the engineering industry today?
- Don’t let it intimidate you – even if you weren’t born an engineer (I certainly am not), there’s still a valuable role for you to play. I’ve spent my career in marketing, communications, and business development roles, with zero background in construction or major projects. But by working as part of a fantastic team of engineers, environmental and heritage experts, and by being curious and asking plenty of questions, I’ve gained a wealth of knowledge.
This year’s theme, ‘Together we Rise’, celebrates the strength and knowledge of women and the vital role they play in shaping the future of the construction industry. What does this mean to you and how to you think you exhibit this in your current role?
- In the ever-evolving world of engineering, the once male-dominated industry has certainly seen a shift towards gender equality. And our team is a great example of this progress, with a diverse, I believe almost 50/50 mix of male and female colleagues across all levels and areas of expertise. With so many women as part of the team bringing a unique set of strengths and perspectives to the table. We are a force to be reckoned with. It’s truly inspiring to see everyone appreciating and learning from one another, creating a collaborative and inclusive environment where innovation thrives. And we all share one common goal – to construct sea defences for Portsmouth and its people that we can all be proud of!
