This International Women’s Day, Nationwide Platforms urges the powered access industry to #AccelerateAction for gender equality. As a sector leader, the company actively fosters change by hiring and supporting women in powered access who redefine industry norms. One such trailblazer is Jessica Taylor, a 25-year-old certified IPAF trainer proving women can excel in this male-dominated field.

A Career Unexpected

Jessica’s career path was unconventional. Initially, she aimed to be a social worker. However, after realizing academia wasn’t for her, she took a job as a steel erector at 18.

“I was only supposed to be helping out for a weekend, but I never looked back,” Jessica said. “I quickly discovered I loved being hands-on in a job, much more than being sat behind a desk.”

Despite her passion, working in a male-dominated field came with challenges.

“Being a woman in that kind of role came with its own challenges at the start. While the men were never outwardly rude or mean, I was still outcast at times as the only woman on site. Other issues were subtler with sites rarely being prepared to have a woman working; no or limited bathroom facilities, no PPE in the right size. It never felt malicious, but these things add up and make the job needlessly harder for women. Thankfully, things have moved in the right direction as more women join the industry, so now you’re much less likely to come across a bathroom without a bin, and so on.”

Finding Support and Success for Women in Powered Access at Nationwide Platforms

In 2022, Jessica joined Nationwide Platforms as a Trainee Instructor. She qualified as an IPAF trainer in September 2023.

“I was familiar with the machines from my previous roles, but didn’t know much about the company and I’m so glad I made the jump.

“I love my job, delivering IPAF training to delegates across the country to such a variety of people from fresh-faced 16-year-old apprentices, to site managers who have had a whole career in national companies. People skills are a crucial part of my role.

“The company culture is intrinsically inclusive – I trained alongside two other women, Jennifer and Paulina, and Rebecca is our Training Manager, so I’ve been surrounded by female support from the start. Even now, three years on when we’re all scattered across the country, we’ve stayed close and are always connecting via Teams or on the phone.”

Creating a Culture of Support

Nationwide Platforms fosters an inclusive culture where women can excel. Jessica highlights the importance of workplace support in handling challenges women often face.

“Making change in the industry relies on the whole team to champion it, and NWP has created such a supportive environment that I know if I ever have trouble with any delegates who feel they have nothing to learn from a woman, there’s 10 or 15 people I can call who would back me up without hesitation.”

The Need for Greater Representation of Women in Powered Access

While Jessica has seen progress, she acknowledges there is still a long way to go.

“I’ve seen the construction industry progress so much in the last seven years, but there’s still a way to go. Out of the 1,500 delegates I’ve trained in the last couple of years there have been less than 10 women, and I really hope to see that ratio even out in the next decade.

“To any girls considering a career in the sector – go for it. Nothing is as scary as it seems, and the best thing you can do is jump right in and get your hands dirty.”

The Bigger Picture: Industry-Wide Change

Nationwide Platforms believes hiring women is just the first step. Creating an environment where they can succeed is key, as External Training Manager Rebecca Myers emphasizes.

“Supporting women in the industry isn’t just about hiring — it’s about creating an environment where they can grow and succeed. Jessica’s journey is a great example of how the right support and mentorship can help women thrive in powered access. By continuing to break down barriers and foster an inclusive culture, we can ensure that the next generation of women in construction faces fewer obstacles and greater opportunities.”

Accelerating Action for a More Diverse Future

Nationwide Platforms is committed to being a fair employer that empowers women through recruitment, development, and advocacy. As the industry moves toward a more diverse workforce, companies that create inclusive environments will lead progress.