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Delivering Passive Homes for a more sustainable future

Empowering Women
in Construction

We are shaping a more inclusive future for the construction industry by celebrating the talent, innovation, and leadership of women. From building homes to fostering communities, we recognise the critical role women play across our business and beyond.

Through initiatives like the Women in Cairn Network, professional development programs, and wellness support, we’re committed to creating a workplace where every individual feels valued and empowered. Together, we are breaking barriers and building opportunities for women to thrive.

Investors in Diversity Silver mark

A team leader facilitating a group discussion and workshop activity in a conference room.
A smiling woman with glasses and a man standing together in front of a construction site whiteboard.
A smiling female construction professional holding a white hard hat on an outdoor construction site with cranes in the background.
A woman in a patterned blouse working at her laptop desk in a modern office.
A speaker holding a microphone while addressing a large audience, shown with a blue color overlay.

Delivering Passive Homes for a more sustainable future

How Cairn is Supporting Women in Construction Careers

Engagement in External Networks
We are committed to fostering connections with external networks to inspire and attract women to careers in construction. We proudly partnered with TU Dublin Foundation’s “Transforming Tomorrow” campaign, supporting the development of the innovative Design + Construct Centre at Broombridge Campus.

Cairn also sponsored the Mentor of the Year award at this year’s Women in STEM Awards, showcasing our dedication to recognising female leaders. Additionally, several of our female colleagues actively contribute to industry boards and panels, including the Irish Planning Council, RIAI, SCSI, and the 30% Club, bringing valuable perspectives and leadership to the wider sector.

Female Transition Year Programmes
In 2024, we strengthened our focus on inspiring young women by collaborating with Inspiring the Future Ireland to launch Transition Year programmes targeting DEIS schools. Through this initiative, we welcomed 13 female participants, providing them with hands-on experience and insight into careers in construction. These efforts aim to create a pipeline of empowered young women ready to explore opportunities in our industry.

Leveraging Cairn’s Apprenticeship Programme
The Cairn Apprenticeship Programme welcomed its first female apprentices, with 50% of the intake being women. To further amplify awareness, we launched an innovative Mobile Engagement & Training Centre, designed to expose school-aged young people to the diverse roles within construction, sparking interest and breaking down stereotypes about women in construction.

A young woman sitting at a table listening attentively during a seminar or conference.
Four people standing in a room with 'Grow your career' wall lettering next to building materials and models.
Attendees wearing name badges engaged in a corporate training session.
Cairn female engineer or site worker smiling inside an active residential construction development.
A large group of smiling women posing together at a corporate event with a blue color overlay.

Delivering Passive Homes for a more sustainable future

Women in Cairn Network: Empowering Our Female Workforce

The Women in Cairn Network was established to support and empower our female employees. This group provides a forum for feedback and initiatives that Connect, Develop & Inspire our female workforce.

Connect
We created a CairnLive Space for sharing information, open to all employees. With hight engagement levels and lively discussion, it fosters an encouraging community across all locations. A Speed Dating Event connected female employees with functional representatives and each other.

Develop
We offered IMAGE Business Club subscriptions for networking events, coaching sessions, and inspirational training and educational content. Female Soft Skill Masterclasses, led by Catherine Curran, helped participants from various departments reframe limiting beliefs and leverage their strengths.

Inspire
Our International Women’s Day event featured guest speakers and set the tone for our commitment to gender equality. Wellness initiatives included Female Health Webinars on Menopause & Perimenopause, with plans for more sessions on Physical Female Health and Manager Support. We provide sanitary products are available across all of our sites and in our central offices.

Four smiling women posing together with drinks at a dimly lit indoor corporate or social gathering.
A female speaker addressing an audience with a microphone during a panel discussion, beside a sign reading 'Cairn Built For Good'.
Two smiling women posing together at an indoor corporate networking event with a Cairn Built For Good sign in the background.
A group of smiling women posing together at an indoor event in front of a Cairn Built For Good sign

Benefits Designed with Women in Mind

Individual or Family Health Insurance
Individual or Family Health Insurance
Paid Maternity Leave
Paid Maternity Leave
Access to 'Families in Cairn' Network
Access to 'Families in Cairn' Network
Continuous Professional Development
Continuous Professional Development
Women in Cairn Network
Women in Cairn Network
Income Protection
Income Protection
Paid Sick Leave
Paid Sick Leave
Pension Scheme With Matching Contributions
Pension Scheme With Matching Contributions
One of Ireland's Best Workplaces™
One of Ireland's Best Workplaces™
Four smiling women posing together with drinks at a dimly lit indoor corporate or social gathering.
Four women smiling at a restaurant table with drinks and flowers at an evening event
Cairn colleagues talking over refreshments at a networking event
Two smiling women posing together at an indoor corporate networking event with a Cairn Built For Good sign in the background.

Join Our Team Today

As a fast growing company we have opportunities across all disciplines and in many locations across Ireland.

Apply Today

Women in Construction
Stories of Empowering Women at Work

Portrait of a Cairn team member in an office with windows behind
How female role models empower women to build careers in construction
Jennifer O’Neill, Customer Operations Lead at Cairn, says that female role models within the organisation have encouraged her, empowered her and inspired her to succeed.
Read Article
Cairn team member in a hard hat and hi-vis jacket on a housing site
Why male allies and mentors can pave the way for women in construction
Caitriona Flood, Health and Safety Officer, Cairn, discusses how supportive colleagues and mentorship can make a big difference to women in the construction sector.
Read Article
Portrait of a Cairn team member in front of an office window
Ways the construction industry is building a positive environment for women
Susan Carroll, Human Resources Director, Cairn, says that the construction sector recognises how important it is to create a positive culture that empowers female talent.
Read Article
Cairn team member in a hard hat and hi-vis jacket on a construction site

Aoibhe
Health & Safety Officer

 

Joining us fresh from school after completing her Leaving Certificate, Aoibhe has worked across our sites gaining invaluable on-the-ground experience while also being supported to continue in further educational programmes and training to development to allow her to develop into her current role as Health & Safety Officer working across multiple sites.
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