16 years working in construction has shaped Jwerea Morgan’s career in unexpected ways.
From starting out as a Site Engineer to becoming the UK Construction Services Demobilisation Manager for the Warwickshire contract, Jwerea’s career progression within Balfour Beatty has been incredible.
Not only has she won a Women in Construction award, but she demolishes gender stereotypes (more on this later). It’s easy to see why Jwerea is a source of true inspiration.
But Jwerea’s career didn’t follow a set path – and thanks to the mentorship and internal mobility pathways at Balfour Beatty, yours might not, either.
Mentorship and career progression
Jwerea studied Civil Engineering at university before working on large civil infrastructure schemes, mainly in the Midlands as a Site Engineer. She spent five years on a range of exciting projects, building new roads, bridges and other community structures. Working on projects like Selly Oak New Road, A41 Bypass, Jennens Road Improvements and the Birmingham City Centre extension scheme, Jwerea progressed to Section and Project Engineer roles.
Jwerea was mentored by the then MD of Living Places. The mentorship scheme meant that women in senior roles would mentor women working in more junior roles to help their development.
“As part of my mentorship, I was invited to a board meeting, where I spoke up, and I think I might have impressed a few people. My mentor then invited me to meet her Operations Director for an interview, which then led me to the Project Manager role on the Herefordshire contract.”
Next, Jwerea was offered a role from the then CEO of UK Construction Services to work in the newly-created business transformation team. She continued in this role for 18 months and remembers it as a great learning opportunity. Then, Jwerea moved back into her Operations Manager role on the Birmingham New Hospitals project.
Career development as a woman in construction
With recent ONS figures showing that women make up around 15% of the construction industry workforce, mentorship schemes have never been more important.
Jwerea is breaking down gender barriers in different ways. “When I was working on regional projects, I’d often go and speak in local schools. I’ve often been the only woman on site, and I wanted to redefine gender roles in construction early on, by talking about my role.”
And there’s no mistaking engineering as a male-only field in Jwerea’s household, either.
My son loves to get into my car and put my hard hat on – he thinks it’s funny. But he knows it’s mine, not his dad’s.
Winning a Women in Construction and Engineering Award
During her role as a Business Analyst, Jwerea won the Best Woman in Highways award at The European Women in Construction and Engineering awards in 2017.
Jwerea was commended for her work in driving the Balfour Beatty Women in Business Allies Affinity network, which aims to create an inclusive working environment for female employees.
From LGBTQ+ to neurodiversity, find out more about the range of employee-led Affinity Networks at Balfour Beatty.
Say yes to every opportunity
Jwerea offers advice to those who want to take charge of their own career development.
I think it’s very easy to stay in your role and stay in your lane. And there’s so much opportunity within Balfour Beatty, whether it’s joining an Affinity Network or learning about a different business unit.
"Make sure you’re pushing yourself, networking and getting to know other parts of the business." Throughout the past 16 years, Jwerea didn’t stay in her lane – she continued to learn and to explore different areas of the organisation.
Jwerea never said no to opportunities that came her way within Balfour Beatty and pushed herself out of her comfort zone.
“You start to understand what else is going on in the business and that there’s a wide world around you. Also, people start getting to know you and start understanding you. People start seeing how you work and that you’re taking an interest - you might just impress someone.”
Don’t be afraid to take a side-step in your career, says Jwerea – progression looks different for everyone.
“Don’t hesitate to step out of your current career path. I came in as an engineer, but side-stepped and learned parts of the business to gain experience, which I brought back to my operational role.”
Own your future with Balfour Beatty
Jwerea is an example of how everything you learn broadens your knowledge and develops your skillset. Within Balfour Beatty, Jwerea is living proof of how you’ll be encouraged to take those steps.
“The culture at Balfour Beatty is about retaining people and talent by offering career pathways for development. When I’ve moved departments, it’s been encouraged and I’ve always found it a welcoming environment.”
Start a career like Jwerea's - explore open engineering roles
