According to the latest Office for National Statistics workforce figures, the proportion of women in construction remains stubbornly low – fewer than one in eight.

As we’re celebrating Women in Construction Week and International Women’s Day, it’s a great time to catch up with several women at Premier Guarantee and ask them about their roles, how their careers have developed, and any advice they have for others.

Ewa Jakubowska, Head of Technical Operations

What did you do before you joined Premier Guarantee?

Having graduated in Civil Engineering and Business and Management, I coordinated procurement and quantity surveying works for a large commercial developer in Warsaw.

How has your career developed here?

Premier Guarantee was recruiting internationally in 2017 and the same year I decided to relocate and to start work as a Risk Surveyor. I got to know UK construction and insurance markets and worked towards becoming a member of a chartered association. I then progressed to the role of a Risk Management Surveyor and after a year or so I became a Deputy Regional Manager. In 2020 I was appointed Head of Technical Operations being responsible for leading the engineering team and coordinating technical aspects of the external Awards schemes.

What support have you had from the company to get where you are today?

From the very first day at Premier Guarantee I have been offered incredible support on every step of my career. I have been given great advice and guidance from the L&D Team and all my colleagues, who were always very keen to share their knowledge and skills with me – this helped me achieve membership of the Chartered Association of Building Engineers.

The company also encouraged and assisted me with progressing through the Chartered Insurance Institute Exams to become a chartered member.

Has any internal training supported your career development?

I have taken part in various company training schemes, which provide brilliant facilities to all the employees who are willing to improve their skills and develop themselves, not only technically but also personally. Premier Guarantee offered a really thorough and intense technical training upon my start in the company but I particularly enjoyed the Aspiring Managers Programme, which also helped me to progress my career and allowed me to meet other colleagues who also aspired to a become manager within the group.

What new skills, personal and professional have you learnt or developed since joining?

I have learned a lot about statutory regulation and governance.

I have also learnt that if you are ambitious and you are looking forward to develop your career, you shouldn’t be afraid to show that you are keen and you are motived to be successful in the new role. Never stop aiming to achieve more.

What advice would you give to someone wishing to progress their career?

Do not be afraid of trying different things. You learn various skills in every job which you will be able to use in the future. In this way you will realise what you enjoy doing and what you do not.

Where do you see your career going in the future?

I hope that in the following years I will gain more skills and qualifications and I will be able to progress my career. Who knows, maybe one day I will become CEO.

If you had one piece of career advice for your younger self, what would it be?

Do not be afraid of a change and follow the path that will make you happy.

Interviews with more women in construction

• Caroline Tomey, South East Regional Manager Surveying Team
• Jacqui Bonnington, Consistency and Compliance Manager
• Jess Dutton, Learning and Development Advisor

We are hiring

A number of roles are available with us right now. So if Women in Construction Week causes you to re-evaluate your career, please take a look at the opportunities available here now. Plus, you could read more about our work opportunities via the article links below.

Please Note: Every care was taken to ensure the information in this article was correct at the time of publication.