Birchwood joiner reveals what its like to be a woman in construction

Charlie Dawe has spoken out on being a woman in construction and the path that led her to running her own successful business – including a shocking encounter with a potential employer.

The 24-year-old former Penketh High student studied a joinery course initially at Widnes Riverside College before transferring to Warrington and Vale Royal College to complete her qualifications.

During her time at both colleges, she revealed she was the only girl in all her classes for all three years of her course.

And after leaving college at 18, she began working at a builder’s merchant for several years.

“I was working weekend jobs and then I decided I wanted to start up my own business, The Handy Woman, which I started in October last year,” Charlie said.

Charlie has spoken out on the struggles of being a woman in construction (Image: Supplied)

Speaking on a particularly shocking experience during her early years as a joiner, prior to owning her own business, Charie said: “When I did leave college, I was applying for joinery jobs. I went for a job at a joiner in Warrington. I think because my name is Charlie, they were expecting a boy to turn up.

“They gave me the most bogus interview and I didn’t hear anything. A few weeks later they called me back in and offered me a receptionist job they had going.”

Touching on the misogyny that can be experienced while working in such a male-dominated industry, Charlie stated, ‘you get used to it’,

“Now I am self-employed, I can say what I want back,” she added.

Highlighting how more needs to be done to encourage young girls to pick non-conventional female careers like working in construction, the Birchwood joiner said: “I think it needs to be addressed out there.

“It was quite daunting being the only female at college interviews. Schools need to push it more with students.”

Charlie also works on several jobs with another self-employed construction worker, JayThe Joiner and revealed how their partnership has blossomed into something special.

“We teach each other stuff and we both learn different things from one another,” she said.

Joiner, Jay Oliver, 45, from Callands, commented on the pair’s growing partnership, during Women in Construction Week back in March, saying: “Charlie has been working with me for a few months now, a fully qualified joiner, but due to being a female, has struggled to get work placements.

“Hopefully I have helped with that, and she is teaching me a few things. A hardworking and knowledgeable person who has been a great help over the last few months. We will continue to work as a team.”

Handing over some advice to any girls who may aspire to work in construction or another male dominated industry but feel hesitant about the idea, Charlie said: “Do not be worried with what people think. If you find you have a passion for something, do not hold back.”

To find out more about The Handywoman, visit her social media page on Facebook.