The Waterbeach development marked this year’s Women in Construction Week (1–7 March 2026) with a programme of events designed to inspire the next generation and celebrate the contribution of women across the industry.
Hosted by master developer Urban&Civic, the week brought together girls, residents and female staff to highlight the wide variety of careers available in construction and development – from design and planning through to delivery and long-term maintenance.
Over 20 girls from Waterbeach Guides visited the Constructed Pathways compound (2 March) to gain an insight into the construction industry. The session explored some of the different disciplines required to create a new town, alongside information about career opportunities within Urban&Civic and its delivery partners. The Guides also had the opportunity to ask questions about future phases of Waterbeach before trying their hand at bricklaying, one of the industry’s core trades. Under supervision from Constructed Pathways, the girls mixed and applied mortar before laying a level row of bricks.
Kath Temple, 1st Waterbeach Guide Leader, said: “Partnering with Constructed Pathways and Urban&Civic gave our Guides the chance to build real skills, grow in confidence and see firsthand the diverse opportunities available to them through their new village development. The Guides enjoyed getting stuck in, trying something completely new – putting on safety gear and learning how to use mortar and lay bricks. By connecting Girlguiding with industry in this practical way, they were not only just laying bricks but laying foundations for future careers.”
On 3 March, female colleagues from Urban&Civic were joined by residents and members of the local community for a Wellness Walk around the Waterbeach development. Taking in the lake loop and Wild Woods area, the walk provided an opportunity for staff to share their personal experiences of working in the construction industry. The walk ended at Brew & Basket, the recently opened shop, café and community space, where attendees heard more about plans for this new community facility.
Girls attending Waterbeach and Landbeach Action for Youth were able to find out about the different disciplines within the development sector through a series of inspirational videos from Urban&Civic’s female employees, produced especially for Women in Construction Week and International Women’s Day. This included what they enjoy most about their careers, the challenges and opportunities, and the advice they would give to their younger selves.
Caroline Ward, Community Development Lead for Waterbeach, said: “It is important that local young people have as many opportunities as possible to visit Waterbeach and feel connected to the development. Women in Construction Week provides a valuable opportunity to spotlight specific career pathways for women, who remain underrepresented in the construction industry, but who are very much encouraged and supported at Urban&Civic.
“We also have other initiatives throughout the year to inspire future generations of women to consider a career in the built environment, including our work experience week and Make Your Mark event.”
Throughout the week, Urban&Civic staff also donated workwear to Dress for Success, a charity that helps women achieve economic independence by providing the professional attire, tools and support they need to secure employment and progress in their careers.
Women in Construction Week is a nationwide initiative that recognises and celebrates women working in the construction and development sectors. This year’s theme ‘Level Up. Build Strong’ is raising awareness of the growing opportunities for women in the industry, challenging gender stereotypes and promoting diversity, from skilled trades to site management roles.
Click here to find out more from some of Urban&Civic’s female representatives.
By connecting Girlguiding with industry in this practical way, they were not only just laying bricks but laying foundations for future careers.
