A female Ascot construction worker has encouraged other women to follow her path towards a ‘life-changing opportunity’ in housebuilding during this year’s Women in Construction Week. Dallas Hopper, 22, helps to lead the construction team at Taylor Wimpey’s Heatherwood Royal development in Heatherwood Road.
After initially planning to study forensic psychology at university, she took an interest in housebuilding whilst her parents were planning an extension to their family home. She joined Taylor Wimpey as a trainee in September 2022 and has worked her way up to assistant site manager through the Management Trainee Scheme.
Taylor Wimpey is committed to encouraging an inclusive culture, but the industry still faces challenges. An Office for National Statistics report in 2024 found that women made up only 15% of the construction workforce.
Any apprehensions that Dallas had as a young woman joining a male-dominated environment were soon dismissed, however.
She said: “In my time with Taylor Wimpey I have always had the support of the site team around me and I don’t believe I have been treated differently to anyone else.
“My first impressions of Taylor Wimpey as an employer were positive. They are supportive and strive to ensure everyone succeeds in the business. The company is very collaborative and everyone that I have encountered has been friendly and welcoming.
“There are always opportunities to gain additional qualifications, get involved in charity work, complete sporting challenges and develop both professionally and personally.
“There have only been two occasions where I have encountered negative comments, which were immediately resolved, and I have generally been treated with respect by all male colleagues. It has really helped to have supportive line managers who have a zero-tolerance approach to any discrimination.”
A typical day for Dallas involves a range of tasks, from delivering a site induction to new operatives, monitoring the standards of the work on site and troubleshooting, to managing contractors, liaising with customer care and sales teams and ordering materials.
Dallas said: “Every day is a new opportunity to overcome a challenge and a step closer to handing over a top quality home to our customers.
“I’ve really enjoyed the opportunity to learn about the construction industry. The trainee programme allowed me to gain experience across the whole of business and industry. I’ve been lucky to have been supported by everyone around me, internal and external to the business, and would certainly say it has been a positive experience that has set me up for a lifelong career.”
Women in Construction Week is held annually during the first full week of March. This year’s theme of ‘Level up. Build Strong’ is a natural fit for the construction industry. The focus is on highlighting achievements, addressing industry gender gaps, and encouraging future talent. The week also ties in with International Women’s Day on 8th March, which this year focuses on accelerating advancement through economic empowerment, education, and mentorship.
The number of women in the construction industry is steadily growing, with 37% of new workers being female, and a record number of employers joined the Home-Builders Federation’s Women into Home Building scheme in autumn 2025. Dallas has a clear message to women of any age considering a career in construction.
She said: “It can be daunting coming into a heavily male-dominated industry, but don’t let any fear talk you out of an opportunity that could change your life.
“It can feel intimidating stepping into something where you may not see many people like you, but competence builds confidence. The industry doesn’t need women to fit in. It needs women to bring their perspective, leadership, and skills. If you are willing to learn and step into the role you are capable, like every other individual.”
To find out more about the range of careers at Taylor Wimpey, visit www.taylorwimpey.co.uk/jobs.