A Chat with Jacqui: Casa’s Bristol Branch Manager

Jacqui recently took the time to sit with our Business Development Assistant Kat, to discuss her time in the industry and her experience as a woman in construction.

Jacqui is Branch Manager of Casa’s Head Office in Bristol. With 22 years’ experience in the asbestos industry, Jacqui is responsible for servicing regional contracts, managing large scale housing frameworks, including Bristol City Council & Stroud District Council, as well as domestic clients, large construction companies & everything in between.

Jacqui is BOHS P402 qualified & has completed all relevant sections of Casa’s in-house technical training programmes.

K: How long have you been in the industry, and how did you get into it?

J: I had my own construction company which I started in 1997, that I decided to close in 2002. I wanted to step away from an-office based environment to do something a bit more hands on. I looked in the paper and found an ad for a job as a trainee asbestos surveyor. I didn’t know that much about asbestos at the time, but thought I would give it a go, and here I am now!

K: Has your opinion of the industry changed from now in comparison to when you first started over 2 decades ago?

J: “When I was initially running my own construction company, it felt like there were no other women at all doing what I was doing, even when I started in asbestos. Whereas now, whilst the industry is still male dominated, there’s definitely more balance now and it’s great to see women occupying roles that they wouldn’t have before, when I first started my career.

It’s also been interesting to see how certain technical elements of the industry, like our attitudes to health and safety have also shifted. Health and Safety is paramount to all our works now, and it has been an interesting journey watching this come into place.

K: Would you say there are elements of operating in the industry that are more difficult as a woman?

J: Safety is a huge one, there are more dangers on site and working around tenancy as a female. Risks that a man wouldn’t have to consider inside or outside of work, are present being a woman, so naturally you have to take extra precautions.

Also, there are times where you feel as though you have to work twice as hard to be listened to. In the past, I have experienced the preconception that being a woman means you’re less knowledgeable or are inexperienced, which simply isn’t true. Once you start those conversations, this becomes clear, but it can be the case that you have to work twice as hard to get in the rooms where these conversations are happening.

K: That’s so frustrating to hear, but I think is something that so many people will be able to relate to. You can be the most knowledgeable, experienced person in that room, but there will be times where you have to prove this just based on your gender.

K: What would you perhaps say to women who have an interest in joining the construction industry?

J: Don’t be intimidated, you deserve to be there just as much as anyone else, and it’s generally a really great industry to be a part of.

K:  What’s the best part of your role now at Casa?

J: I love the challenge; no two days are the same. It’s a very diverse role which means you’re constantly learning.  It’s rewarding.

I want to extend a huge thank you to Jacqui for taking the time to sit with me and discuss her experience in her role, the industry as a whole and operating as a woman in construction, as well for her continuous hard work and dedication at Casa!

Are you interested in a role in the industry? You can view our range of opportunities here.