27 June 2024 – Three Winvic Construction Ltd employees have been selected as finalists in the 2024 Inspiring Women in Engineering and Construction Awards and the leading main contractor, that specialises in the design and delivery of private and public sector construction and civil engineering projects, has also been shortlisted in two organisation categories.
The awards are organised by media partners Construction News, New Civil Engineer and Ground Engineering and celebrate the role models and organisations that are empowering women in construction and engineering.
The individuals and project teams that have been shortlisted will present to a panel of judges in the coming weeks to explain more about themselves, their work and the forward-thinking Winvic initiatives. The winners will be announced at a ceremony which will take place at the Royal Lancaster London on 17 September 2024, following the half-day Inspiring Women in Engineering and Construction Conference.
The Next Generation Employer of the Year category celebrates those that have dedicated themselves to creating exceptional working environments for their emerging talents. Whether through outreach and employment initiatives, learning and development schemes, or career advancement opportunities, these organisations go the extra mile to nurture and empower the next generation of talent.
Finalist: Winvic
Winvic has multiple initiatives that focus on developing and supporting early-career professionals. Aligned with its growth, Winvic has consistently increased engagement and support to those seeking work experience, on-site placements, Apprenticeships and Year In Industry placements. Its HR, Learning & Development and Social Value teams work collaboratively to deliver tried and tested engagement activities with schools, colleges and universities and in 2023 and 2024, launched the Winvic Enrichment Programme and STEM after school club, also mentioned below.
Winvic continues toattract the best and brightest graduate employees and it is committed to supporting and developing people beyond the completion of their early-years qualifications. Its Voyage Future Leaders Course is helping employees to grow, drive excellence and work towards becoming future leaders. The Momentum Leadership course specifically teaches employees how to coach and develop their own and others’ careers. Furthermore, Winvic has a range of other training programmes that promote kindness and champion diversity and inclusivity.
The Excellence in Outreach category looks to recognise teams, divisions or companies that have gone the extra mile to inspire women to consider a career in engineering or construction. Whether it is promoting science, technology, engineering and maths in schools and colleges, or mentoring work placements and new joiners or working with youth organisations.
Finalist: Winvic
Winvic’s Social Value, HR and Learning and Developmentteams work closely to identify opportunities to deliver educational outreach initiatives, close internal and external stakeholder collaboration results in more meaningful outcomes for more people. The whole Winvic team is involved with educating and mentoring, especially several female employees who are passionate about promoting construction and acting as inspirational role models.
The teams first work together to understand local needs and tailor activities; successful repeated activities include interview events and Apprentice and STEM fairs. The team is always striving for innovative ways in which to address challenges, and recently worked alongside education providers to deliver new initiatives.
The 5-day Winvic Enrichment Programme – which is already an award-winning initiative – and a 7-week STEM after school club are providing students with a greater depth of information and helping them to make informed career choices.
The Contribution to Gender Diversity category seeks to recognise any inspirational person who has gone above and beyond to promote gender diversity through their own work within the construction or engineering sector.
Finalist: Rebecca Schwarz, Head of HR and Training
Throughout Rebecca’s career she’s promoted equality and diversity; giving everybody an equal opportunity to learn means everybody has an equal opportunity to thrive. While Rebecca focuses on attracting and retaining the best and brightest, no matter their gender, to ensure female representation it is critical to strategically break down barriers that women might face. Female role models play an important part in addressing incorrect perceptions about working on-site and showcasing the breadth of construction roles that are available to all. Primary school aged children, secondary school students, those studying A-levels and young people already studying construction qualifications are all a focus for engagement. Rebecca is passionate about Winvic being a leading light in looking after women and launched a new maternity policy, which outshines many other contractors’ policies, it clearly demonstrates an investment in employees, their future and potential talent. Since Winvic implemented the policy, all new mothers have chosen to return to work.
The Inspirational Leader – Contractor category welcomed entries from women in leadership positions who have used their positions to inspire and engage the workforce and improve outcomes for customers and their business.
Finalist: Heather Ratcliffe, Director of Finance
Heather’s gone from part-time Purchase Ledger Assistant in a department of four – 14 years ago – to becoming Winvic’s Director of Finance. She joined the Winvic Construction Board in 2021 and is proud to be a female industry role model. Heather’s previous teaching experience taught her much about leadership, diversification and meeting people’s needs through different approaches to communication; paired with her open-door policy she’s a go-to for advice and support across the business. She advocates a ‘have a go’ and ‘get involved’ attitude within her department and to others she mentors, supporting people to develop and reach their personal and professional goals.
The STEM Champion category is open to women and men who have gone above and beyond to promote the opportunities available to young people through STEM based studies and careers.
Finalist: Oliwia Karwatka
Oliwia started at Winvic as a BIM Coordinator at the end of 2020 and one year later became part of the digital delivery team, focusing on 3D visualisations of projects. In February 2023, she became a STEM Learning ‘STEM Ambassador’ and since then has personally engaged with and encouraged almost 3,000 young people by delivering 12 separate activities. Extremely passionate about her job, she champions technology-focused roles in the construction industry and the digital skills required for such careers.
Oliwia understands how important it is for young people to understand the wide range of jobs available in the industry, including office-based, creative and technologically exciting and innovative roles. She has found that these digital roles attract young males and females equally and hopes her engagement will really help to increase the numbers of women in construction over the coming years. Oliwia is also inspiring female college students through one-to-one mentoring and training sessions.
For more information on Winvic, the company’s latest project news and job vacancies please visit www.winvic.co.uk. Join Winvic on social media – visit X (formerly Twitter) @WinvicLtd – and LinkedIn.
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