My route into construction … Rebecca Freeman, senior quantity surveyor at Dandara

How long have you been working and what is your current job?

I have worked in property and construction for more than 20 years, and for the past five I have been a quantity surveyor at independent housebuilder Dandara, promoted to senior quantity surveyor last year. My job is to manage the commercial side of housing developments – making sure that projects stay on budget, contracts are watertight, and we deliver quality homes on time.

I split my time between the office and on site, which gives me a great balance of technical responsibilities, commercial oversight and working closely with different teams and contractors.

What were your first career ambitions? Would your 16-year-old self be surprised by what you are doing now?

Completely! At 16, I had no idea what I wanted to do, and construction certainly was not on my radar. I left school, went to college, and drifted through a few part-time jobs.

Then one day, while working in a shop, I spoke with a customer who ran a lettings agency. She liked how I engaged with people and offered me a job on the spot. I didn’t know anything about property, but I said yes – and that was the start of everything.

I moved from lettings into property management, then into housing repairs and eventually into surveying. It was not a traditional path by any means, but it shows how one unexpected opportunity can open up a whole new career.

As a new starter, what most surprised you about the industry?

I was surprised by how many pathways there are. I always thought of construction as hard hats and muddy boots, but there is so much more to it. From commercial and legal roles to design, planning and sustainability – there really is something for everyone.

Who or what helped you get where you are today?

There were several key people and moments that changed my trajectory. While working as a repairs administrator at a housing association, I developed a deeper understanding of how homes were maintained and how jobs were costed. That led to an opportunity to join their asset management team and start a building surveying degree at Westminster University. I was pregnant at the time, working full-time and studying – but I managed to juggle it all.

I was later nominated for the Women in Property Student Awards, and during the regional stage I met an MD from Linden Homes who offered me my first job in housebuilding. That conversation changed everything. I moved into quantity surveying while still studying and have not looked back since.

Did your choice of subjects or qualifications help or hinder you in getting into the sector?

It is more about experience and determination than ticking the right boxes on paper. My degree is in building surveying rather than quantity surveying, but the skills transfer really well.

That is one of the best things about this industry – you are not stuck on one track. Construction values real-world experience and adaptability, which has worked in my favour.

Have you had to overcome any other barriers to get where you are today?

Yes, there have been challenges – especially being a woman in what is still a male-dominated industry. I have always had to prove myself a bit more, particularly in the early days.

That said, I have been lucky to work for employers, including Dandara, who back their people regardless of gender. But we do still need to improve representation across the board – not just for women, but for anyone who doesn’t fit the traditional mould of what people think “construction” looks like.

What do you know now about the industry that you wish you had known at school?

I wish I had known how many different roles there are and that you don’t need to be from a construction background to succeed. At school, construction was never mentioned as a career option, especially not for girls. That is why I now go into schools and colleges to talk about what is possible.

I am also planning to visit my daughter’s Brownie group to talk about housebuilding – it’s never too early to show young people what is out there.

What are the best and worst parts of your job?

The best part is the variety. No two days are the same – one day I am reviewing contracts, the next I am out on site solving problems or working with design teams. I also love the sense of pride that comes from being involved in something tangible – you can walk past a finished site and say, “I helped to make that happen”.

The hardest part is the skills shortage across the UK. We need more people coming into the industry at every level. Recruitment can be tough and,  when teams are stretched, it affects what we are able to deliver.

What advice would you give to someone in school considering a career?

Don’t rule it out just because it is not something your school educates you about. Try out a work placement or an apprenticeship. Even if your first role is nt the right fit, it could lead to something you love.

Keep an open mind and don’t be afraid to take a less conventional route.

What one thing would you change to make it easier for someone to find the right career in construction?

We need to promote construction better in schools. Too often, it is seen as a last resort or something you do only if you are good with your hands. That could not be further from the truth.

We need people with all kinds of skills – problem solvers, communicators, organisers. The more we showcase the range of roles available, the more likely young people are to see themselves in this industry.

Any other advice or comments?

Your path does not need to be perfect or linear. I started my degree at 30, while working full-time and raising a family. You don’t need to have it all figured out at 18.

There are so many ways into construction – whether that is university, apprenticeships, or moving across from another industry entirely. If you are open to learning and ready to take opportunities when they come, you will go far.

One of the reasons I have stayed at Dandara is because I believe in what we build. We don’t just put up houses – we create places where people want to live. I recently worked on our Saxon Park development in Biddenham, Bedfordshire, which delivered 249 homes, large green spaces and playgrounds. It is a place with real heart and I am proud to have been part of it.