Mansell’s Liv Buxton blazing a trail for women in construction!
For better or worse, construction has an image that’s difficult to shake. In truth, it’s nearly always been thought of as a man’s game, with work sites seeming like hostile environments for women, whether they were passionate about the industry or not.
This is a historical wrong that belongs in the past.
Here at Mansell, we’re passionate about an inclusive workplace. In the leadership of our company and through every role within the business, you’ll find women blazing a trail and bringing their skills and commitment to the table to help us make a difference.
In this short piece, we look at some of what Liv has achieved so far in her burgeoning career, talking about her route into the industry and laying down the ways we as an industry can attract like-minded women like her.
Showing what Mansell is all about
Since coming to Mansell in 2023, Liv has embodied everything important about the business, our mission and our values. As well as being a valued member of the onsite team and helping produce fantastic work for our clients, she’s become a fantastic example for women interested in a career in construction, appearing on panels and talking with confidence about her route into the industry.
Mansell Managing Director Angela Mansell said, “Liv has taken to work at Mansell like a duck to water. She’s a model employee and is someone we’re incredibly proud to have as part of our team. As well as her great work on-site, she’s already establishing herself as a fantastic ambassador for women in construction and our company.”
Already an award winner!
Even though Liv has only been with us at Mansell for a short amount of time, she’s already an award winner. She was the proud recipient of the Salford City Trainee of the Year award 2024.
We’re extremely proud of Liv and are so pleased she’s been recognised for all her fantastic work.
Talking to other budding apprentices
Liv has also been active in helping us appeal to the next generation of construction professionals by talking about her experience and setting a shining example for others to follow. She recently spoke to some girls in year 11 through Build Salford, inspiring them to think about the future that might lay in store for them in construction.
The feedback from all involved was incredibly positive and the students left feeling engage and positive about their furtures.
Now we.ve heard a lot about her, Let’s speak to the woman herself!
Tell us about how you got involved with Mansell
I did a 4-week programme with Build Salford where we could go on placement to a local contractor. I ended up coming to Mansell and it turned out to be a great decision. When my placement was coming to an end, Steve Green took me to one side and offered me a job. I’ve never looked back.
I got into construction through a connexions officer. It was a bit of a whim at the time but it was just one of those things – I fell into something I really enjoy. I suppose I’m pretty lucky in that regard!
What is it you enjoy about being a trainee plasterer for Mansell?
I get a massive sense of achievement from seeing the work completed. You start with nothing and when you’re finished you’ve got something that looks amazing. I also get a big sense of pride from delivering something that will be home to someone.
What do you think the industry can do to attract more women to a career in construction?
Times have changed. From my experience, I’ve always been made to feel very welcome on-site and have learned a lot from my colleagues. I think to get more women into construction, we need to make more of an effort to let women know that it’s not just a man’s game anymore.
A lot of women wouldn’t even consider construction because they don’t think it’s an option. If you don’t know, you don’t know.
What do you like to do when you’re not on-site?
When I’m not working, I love to cycle and stay as active as possible. I hate standing still!
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The bottom line
Mansell is committed to being inclusive and giving everyone with the passion and drive to work in construction the opportunity to do so. Diversity is to be celebrated and it makes us stronger when people from all different backgrounds come together to work as a team.