Heritage construction is a field rich in history and craftsmanship - but it’s also a sector where women have historically been underrepresented. At the Tywi Centre, we believe construction is for everyone, and heritage construction is no exception. This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the talented women making their mark in the construction industry and reflect on the importance of creating opportunities for more women to enter and thrive in heritage construction.
Championing Women in the Industry
Over the years, we have actively supported women in heritage construction, helping them gain the skills and confidence to build successful careers. As part of the Building Our Heritage project, we launched the Women in Heritage Construction initiative, which provided women with the opportunity to learn traditional building skills and gain hands-on experience. Many of the participants have gone on to work in the sector, start their own businesses, or continue training in specialist heritage trades.
Why it is important
Encouraging more women to enter the industry isn’t just about balance, but bringing fresh perspectives, skills, and creativity to the preservation of our historic buildings too. Additionally, visibility is key - when women see other women thriving in construction, it inspires the next generation to explore these careers.
Opportunities available in heritage construction
Heritage construction offers a range of exciting opportunities. Skilled trades like stonemasonry, carpentry, roofing, and bricklaying keep historic buildings standing, while specialists in blacksmithing, stained-glass restoration, and decorative painting preserve their intricate details.
For heritage construction to thrive, more women need to know these careers exist. Through education, apprenticeships, and support, we can create a more inclusive sector where women are empowered to preserve our history.
Industry perspectives
Nell’s story:
Our Senior Built Heritage Officer, Nell, found her passion for heritage 17 years ago while caring for her young children. She joined a six-week heritage construction skills programme for women, held at Llanerchaeron, a National Trust property. “I’d always loved old buildings but never worked with them. The course offered free childcare and transport, so I thought, ‘why not?’ It was a chance to do something different for a day,” she says
The programme introduced her to carpentry, plastering, and conservation techniques, with inspiring mentors like Cliff Blundell. Motivated, she began using lime plaster at home and soon pursued an HNC in Construction at Ammanford College, which marked the start of her journey into heritage preservation and project management.
As Senior Built Heritage Officer, Nell plays a vital role in both heritage education and conservation. She oversees our work at the Tywi Centre, while also managing the statutory requirements for the care of listed buildings and conservation areas. "We have a duty to protect our heritage in Wales through regulation, but the Tywi Centre exists to facilitate that by providing training and raising awareness”, she adds. Her role bridges preservation and education, ensuring historic sites are cared for while equipping others with the skills and knowledge to safeguard Wales’ built heritage for the future.
Nell has seen a growing interest from women in heritage construction, particularly in specialist skills. “We’ve seen great representation of women in programmes like Historic England’s summer schools, where they take on a range of heritage skills. However, these tend to be high-end, specialist roles rather than everyday construction work,” she says.
She believes increasing female participation requires more opportunities at different life stages - both at school level, so young people see construction as a career path, and later, in their 20s to mid-30s, to allow women to explore and enter the industry, or specifically the heritage sector.
When asked about the importance of female representation, Nell emphasises that women should have equal access to the opportunities available in the construction and heritage sectors.
“Heritage and construction are exciting, fulfilling industries with opportunities to train, develop, and specialise. It’s not about singling out women but about ensuring a level playing field, so everyone has the chance to enter and succeed”, she says. By raising awareness and highlighting the diverse, rewarding careers in heritage construction, more women can see it as a viable and impactful path, contributing to the preservation of our historic environment for future generations.
By increasing awareness and showcasing the varied, rewarding careers available, more women can see heritage construction as a viable path, helping to shape and preserve our historic environment for future generations.
Bella’s story:
Bella Romain, owner of Black Mountain Conservation, a family-run business specialising in conservation and sustainability, started her journey in heritage construction when she and her husband decided to repair their Victorian semi-detached house.
Eager to learn more, Bella quit her job at the council and enrolled onto the Cyfle Shared Apprenticeship scheme. She then attended college for 6-8 months, gaining further skills in conservation and working alongside conservation contractors. Bella also worked alongside Joe Moriarty, one of our plastering tutors, on some of his lime plastering contracts. With Joe’s mentorship and the experience she gained, Bella eventually transitioned to self-employment, launching her own business and continuing to restore and preserve heritage buildings across Southwest Wales and beyond.
Like Nell, Bella believes that education at school level and better promotion of opportunities are key to encouraging more women to enter the construction and heritage sectors. "Heritage is a welcoming industry, but the challenge is making opportunities known. It’s also important for women already in the field to champion these roles and encourage others to get involved,” she says.
Since 2018, Black Mountain Conservation has been committed to this cause, offering work experience and apprenticeship placements while serving as ambassadors for women and other underrepresented groups in construction
Bella believes that women should have access to the same opportunities in heritage construction, not just for the career prospects but for the wider skills and sense of community the industry offers.
"Heritage construction is more than just learning a trade—it’s about problem-solving, teamwork, and a shared passion for culture and history. Women bring a keen eye for detail, creativity, and fresh perspectives, which only strengthen the industry. It’s like being part of a family, and women deserve to be part of that too."
Jess' story:
Jess Eyre's journey into heritage construction began from her love for art and craft. With a passion for hands-on work, she tried her hand at metalworking, welding, and wood carving. This led her to build a wood and cob bothy in Devon before attending various courses like Women in Heritage Construction and stonemasonry. Jess then completed an MSc in Historic Conservation and passed a Stonemasonry apprenticeship.
She worked with a stonemasonry company in the southeast, doing repairs on heritage properties, repointing in lime, and rebuilding cob blocks. It was during this time that Jess developed a passion for lime work.
One standout project was working on St George’s Chapel in Windsor, where she had the unique experience of witnessing the Changing of the Guard while working on masonry repairs.
Jess has seen more women entering the industry and believes the rise in female representation is thanks to platforms like social media. While there are still fewer women than men, Jess sees a growing movement as more women connect and inspire one another in the sector.
Jess is firm in her belief that women are just as capable as men in heritage construction and it’s essential to highlight their contributions. "Women bring a unique perspective to the industry, strengthening it with their creativity, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail," she says.
Beyond construction, the industry teaches valuable life skills, from practical problem-solving to a deeper appreciation for heritage, making it an incredibly rewarding and inclusive space for all.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we remain committed to championing women in heritage construction, creating opportunities, and ensuring that the rich traditions of our built heritage are protected by skilled craftspeople - regardless of gender.
If you're inspired by these stories and want to learn more about our training opportunities, get in touch with us today. The future of heritage construction is open to everyone.