From Cleaning Cabins to Construction Leadership: Pennyfarthing Homes Champions Women in Construction

Originally from Sheffield, she moved south in 2022 seeking a new adventure. With no clear career plan, she began working on a construction site as a cleaner. What started as a temporary role soon became something more. While working on construction sites, Amy’s work ethic and natural leadership qualities were quickly recognised. 

“I never imagined I’d end up in construction,” she says. “But once I was on site, I became curious. I wanted to understand how everything worked.” 

Encouraged by colleagues who saw her potential, Amy transitioned into a trainee role and went on to complete her Level 4 NVQ in Construction Site Supervision. Today, she is Assistant Site Manager at Pennyfarthing Homes’ Danes Park development, overseeing daily operations, coordinating trades, maintaining health and safety standards and ensuring the new homes are delivered to programme and to the high exacting standards of the business. 

For Amy, joining Pennyfarthing marked a turning point.  “There’s real pride in the build here,” she explains. “The quality, the detail, the way the homes sit in their surroundings, it feels like we’re creating something that lasts.” 

As the only female site-based construction professional currently at the company, Amy says she has felt supported and respected on site, with access to properly fitted PPE specifically designed for women, which makes a great difference when it is being worn all day, every day. 

“Construction is still male dominated, but I’ve never felt out of place. I’m part of the team.” 

Matt Dukes, Managing Director at Pennyfarthing Homes, said: “We are incredibly proud of Amy and she is thriving and with the support of the team around her.  Construction needs talented, committed individuals, and it’s vital that we create clear pathways for women to build long-term careers in the sector. Amy’s journey shows what can happen when potential is recognised and supported. As we mark Women in Construction Week and International Women’s Day, we must continue to challenge perceptions and demonstrate that construction is an inclusive, rewarding industry with real progression opportunities.” 

Looking ahead, Amy is ambitious about the future. “I used to doubt myself,” she says. “Now I can see a path to running my own site one day.” 

As Women in Construction Week shines a spotlight on female talent across the sector, Amy’s story highlights not only personal resilience, but the role employers play in fostering confidence, skills and long-term opportunity within the built environment.