With just over 14% of the UK construction industry being female, we wanted to shine a light on the women of Adaptive this International Women’s Day. We sat down with them to explore what makes a career in this sector appealing, and why they believe more women should consider joining the industry.
First up we have Joanne. Joanne is responsible for the operational management of the company and leading project delivery. In short, she is the one who keeps all the cogs turning! With over 15 years’ experience in operations, Joanne has a range of project experience in both the public and private sectors, plus she has a forklift license!
Q: What would you say is the most appealing part of working in the construction industry? And what would you say to any women looking to start a career working in the built environment?
A: Coming from a background in O&G operations and now working with land surveyors, I’ve enjoyed seeing how all the different parts of a project connect (early planning through to construction). It’s a really collaborative industry where different skills come together to make projects happen. My favourite part would be the problem solving, I enjoy the pace of work as no two projects are the same.
I would say don’t be put off by the perception that it’s a male dominated industry. There are so many different roles within the built environment, from technical to site based, project support, operations, admin etc. Personally from my own career path, skills between industries are very transferable. If you’re organised, adaptive and willing to learn, you could build a rewarding career and be part of projects that make a real impact.
Connect with Joanne here.
Next up let’s meet the surveyors! Based in the central belt office, Caitlin and Zoe are an integral part of the surveying team. Caitlin has 2 years’ experience in the geospatial industry with a Master of Arts in Geography and Sociology. Zoe is our Trainee Land Surveyor. Having graduated with a Bachelor of Science, Zoe’s background is in Environmental Geo-Data Science, Social Sustainability and Geomorphology.
Q: What attracted you to working in surveying? And what would your advice be to any women looking to take this career path?
Caitlin A: I was initially attracted to surveying because it offered a mix of technical problem-solving and working outdoors. Being able to see how the data you collect directly shapes construction projects is incredibly rewarding, and no two days on site are ever the same. Over time, I’ve also really valued the range of skills the role develops – from technical knowledge and precision to communication and confidence on site.
My advice to any women considering this path would be: don’t underestimate your ability to succeed in this industry. Surveying and construction might traditionally be male-dominated, but they are careers built on skill, dedication and teamwork. If you’re curious, willing to learn, and enjoy practical work, there is absolutely a place for you here.
Zoe A: Coming from a geography background, I was interested in careers that connect people, land, and development. Surveying stood out because it combines technical skills with real-world impact, and I liked the idea of being involved in projects that shape the places we live and work. I also liked the balance of working both outdoors on site and in the office on projects.
Don’t be put off by the industry traditionally being male dominated. If you enjoy problem solving, working with technology, and being involved in real world projects, surveying can be a really rewarding career. There are lots of opportunities to learn and progress, so be confident in your abilities and go for it.
Connect with Caitlin. Connect with Zoe.
Finally, we have our Marketing Coordinator Kirsty McRae. Kirsty is a skilled marketing professional with a degree in Public Relations and 8 years industry experience. She’s worked across a variety of industries during her career and is responsible for all things marketing at Adaptive (including writing this blog!)
Q: How different do you find the construction industry compared to other sectors you’ve worked in? Would you recommend a shift to construction to other female marketers?
A: Having worked for lawyers and doctors and B2C companies, I think the main difference with the construction industry is the people. It is a noticeably more relaxed, down-to-earth environment and everyone is incredibly easy to work with. For other female marketers considering a move to construction, I would say do it! While the industry has historically been male dominated, I’ve never felt out of place. There is a friendly culture and collaboration feels very natural.
Connect with Kirsty.
As our team’s stories show, a career in construction is genuinely rewarding, full of variety, collaboration and opportunities to make a real impact. Although the industry has traditionally been male‑dominated, women are carving out meaningful careers and helping shape its future every day. At Adaptive, we’re committed to championing gender equality and creating an environment where women can thrive, grow and feel supported. We hope their experiences inspire more women to consider a future in this dynamic and evolving sector.
