In her latest blog Joanne Garwood, Aggregates and Asphalt Managing Director, highlights FM Conway's commitment to combatting the skills shortage and encouraging more women into the construction industry.
Laura’s Career Journey- Women in Construction Blog
Author: Laura, SHEQ Advisor at FM Conway
After spending 18 years as a Station Reception Officer with the Metropolitan Police Service, Laura never imagined she would build a career in the construction industry.
As a mum of two, much of her focus had been on balancing work and family life, but as her children grew older and became more independent, she decided it was time to invest in herself and explore what else she could achieve professionally.
Today, Laura is a SHEQ (Safety, Health, Environment and Quality) Advisor at FM Conway, having successfully retrained and completed her NEBOSH qualification.
From policing to construction
I’m a mum of two and before joining FM Conway, I spent over 18 years working as a Station Reception Officer with the Metropolitan Police Service. I was often the first point of contact for members of the public, supporting people through a wide range of situations and helping them access the support they needed.
The role taught me so much about communication, problem-solving and staying calm under pressure. I enjoyed helping people and being part of an organisation that served the community, but after nearly two decades, I started to feel ready for a new challenge and wanted to see what else I could achieve professionally.
I wanted to challenge myself and step outside of my comfort zone. It was a big decision because I had spent so much of my working life in policing, but I knew if I didn’t try, I’d always wonder what might have been. I also wanted to show my children that it’s never too late to learn something new, take on a challenge and pursue a career you’re proud of.
Taking the first step
What attracted me to FM Conway was the opportunity to learn something completely new and build a different career. FM Conway stood out because of its commitment to developing people and giving them opportunities to progress. I liked the fact that the company was willing to invest in employees and support them in reaching their potential. I joined the business as a Customer Care Advisor, which gave me the chance to learn about the industry and develop new skills in a supportive environment.
From the beginning, I felt encouraged to grow and explore different opportunities within the business. My manager was incredibly supportive and gave me the confidence to challenge myself and think about where my career could go next.
For a long time, my focus had been on raising my children alongside my career, but as they got older and became more self-sufficient, I realised it was the right time to focus on myself and my own development.
Discovering SHEQ
While working as a Customer Care Advisor, I was introduced to different areas of the business and became aware of the opportunities available within FM Conway.
Through my role, I had the chance to work with and learn from colleagues across a range of teams, including SHEQ. The Trainee SHEQ Advisor role really interested me because it focused on people, safety and supporting others, which are all things I’d done throughout my career. My manager and the SHEQ team were very encouraging and helped me see how the skills I'd developed in both policing and customer care could transfer into the role.
Although I didn’t come from a construction background, I realised many of my skills were transferable. The more I learned about the role, the more I could see how my previous experience could help me succeed.
Embracing the challenge
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous. Moving into a completely different industry after 18 years was daunting, and there were moments when I questioned whether I was making the right decision.
What helped was reminding myself that everyone starts somewhere. I knew I had valuable experience, even if it came from a different sector, and I was determined to learn and make the most of the opportunity.
Completing my NEBOSH qualification was definitely challenging at times. Balancing a full-time job, studying and family life as a mum of two meant there were plenty of evenings and weekends spent revising or completing coursework. There were moments when it felt overwhelming, particularly as I was learning something completely new.
Completing my NEBOSH qualification pushed me outside my comfort zone, but it also gave me a huge sense of achievement. It showed me that it’s never too late to learn new skills and invest in yourself, no matter what stage of life you’re at.
Support along the way
The support from FM Conway has been fantastic. My journey into SHEQ started while I was working as a Customer Care Advisor, and I was fortunate to have managers who recognised my potential and encouraged me to pursue a new career path.
I received support from both my manager and the SHEQ team throughout the transition, as well as opportunities to gain practical experience and complete my NEBOSH qualification. Knowing that people believed in me and wanted me to succeed made a huge difference, especially during the times when I was still building my confidence.
Looking back with pride
I’m most proud of taking the leap in the first place. It would have been easy to stay where I was comfortable, but instead I chose to start again in a completely different profession.
Completing my NEBOSH qualification and building a career in SHEQ are achievements I’m incredibly proud of, particularly because I had no previous experience in the industry. Looking back, it’s rewarding to see how far I’ve come.
Advice for others
I think a lot of women look at construction and assume they need years of industry experience, but that’s not always the case. Many of the skills employers are looking for - communication, organisation, problem-solving and teamwork - can be gained in lots of different careers. Don’t rule yourself out.
I came from a policing background and never imagined I’d end up working in SHEQ within the construction sector. If you’re willing to learn, ask questions and work hard, there are so many opportunities available.
The advice I would give to someone considering a major career change later in life is believe in yourself and don’t let age put you off.
Changing careers later in life can feel intimidating, especially when you’re leaving behind something familiar. But your experience doesn’t disappear just because you’re moving into a new industry. You bring valuable skills, knowledge and life experience with you.
Taking that first step was one of the best decisions I’ve made. It wasn’t always easy, but it proved to me that it’s never too late to challenge yourself, learn something new and start a different chapter in your career.
