Women in Construction Week 2026                         BUILDING HEROES SPOTLIGHT!

Women in Construction Week 2026

When we last spoke to Hannah Parton, she had completed her Multi-Skills in Construction training with Building Heroes Reaseheath Academy and was preparing to take her first steps into the construction industry. A year and a half on, Hannah is well on her way to fulfilling a dream she once thought was out of reach!

Today, Hannah is approaching the end of a two-tear Management Trainee Programme with Lovell – a rotational scheme that has seen her learn every corner of the business, from site management and commercial to planning, land, and estimating. In September, Hannah will have completed the full programme, and the next exciting step in her career awaits!

“It’s gone so fast,” Hannah laughs - “But I’ve loved every second.”

Finding Her Path and Confidence

Before joining Lovell, Hannah wasn’t sure if becoming a project manager or build manager was something she could ever achieve.

“When Lovell came to speak to our cohort during the Building Heroes course, they asked what my dream job would be. I said project manager… but I didn’t think it would ever happen! I thought because I was young, and a woman, it just wouldn’t be possible.”

Now firmly embedded in the industry, her thinking has transformed.

“Once you’re inside the industry, you see that there are steps and processes to take you wherever you want to go!"

Building Skills Across the Business

The trainee programme has challenged Hannah in ways she never expected - but in the best possible way.

Hannah has already completed a six-month site management placement; six months in the Commercial department; three months in Planning; and three months in Land. She is currently undertaking a placement in Estimating (finishing this month/March); and thereafter, she’ll be completing a placement in Buying/Purchasing - giving Hannah valuable training experience within all the construction functions.

She’s also grown in confidence in areas she once found daunting.

“I got a C in maths at school, and I never thought I’d enjoy anything with numbers. But Commercial is all problem‑solving. Even the scary spreadsheets have become rewarding. Being able to open one and figure out where the problem lies - that’s a big achievement.”

A Sense of Community - On and Off Site

One of Hannah’s favourite parts of the job has been the people.

Across every department, she’s been supported by colleagues who have taken the time to teach and encourage her.

“There are too many people to name,” she says; “The construction community is so willing to share their wisdom. Nothing is hidden and people want you to succeed.”

And that support has extended beyond the office, further encapsulating the sense of belonging Hannah has built.

“I saw one of our Subcontractors at the weekend. When we bumped into each other, he asked how I was getting on. It’s nice when people remember you and you’ve kept those relationships strong.”

The Lasting Impact of Building Heroes

Hannah still remembers her first day on the Building Heroes course clearly. She was one of the youngest in the room, and one of only two women. But the experience transformed her confidence.

“It prepared me for walking into rooms now without worrying about who’s there. None of that matters - everyone works as a team.”

And further demonstrating this newfound confidence, in January last year, Hannah proudly attended a ‘Home Builders Federation’ industry reception in London - representing both Lovell and Building Heroes – networking and contributing to discussions centred around addressing the skills gap and bringing new talent into the construction sector.

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Hannah describes how the Building Heroes structure provided exactly what she needed - routine, humour, and sense of purpose being deeply ingrained in the programme.

“You learn new things, but you also keep that routine, the timings, the camaraderie, the humour. Building Heroes offers a great transition route for those thinking of leaving the military.”

And Hannah still speaks warmly of her academy instructor Craig, adding:

“He made learning fun, and I still use the things he taught us - even little practical skills like plastering or tricks with a paintbrush.”

Hannah’s parting words are of encouragement to service leavers, veterans like her dad - and especially women - considering careers in construction:

“You already have the all the transferable skills - teamwork, time management, structure, humour. They all transfer. You’re not starting over again, you are just changing your environment!”

Looking Ahead

As she approaches the final months of her training, Hannah stands as a brilliant example of what confidence, curiosity, and community can build.

A year ago, she didn’t think she could get here. Now, she’s proving to herself — and others — that she absolutely can!

Hannah is looking forward to her future in construction. And we wish her all the very best as she continues to progress!

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