Why celebrating diversity in construction for South Asian Heritage Month is so important: Rob Holmes

Leeds, a city known for its cultural diversity, is an ideal backdrop for this celebration.

Leeds is home to a thriving South Asian community comprising 8.7 per cent of the total population. It is heartening to note that the College has a student body that closely mirrors this demographic.

We are proud to highlight the positive progress our institution has made in terms of representation within our college community, but we are passionate about doing even more.

At any school or college, everyone should feel welcome and valued. Promoting equity, social justice, and belonging is vital if we are to provide a setting where students from all backgrounds can thrive and succeed.

The student demographics at Leeds College of Building reveal an encouraging trend in representation. While the Leeds population is 5.6 per cent black, our college enjoys a significant 15.5 per cent black student cohort.

However, despite its size, the construction sector is consistently shown to be one of the least diverse in the UK, with some statistics estimating 86 per cent of construction workers are male and nearly 94 per cent are white.

Our student body comprises 77 per cent white students, which again closely aligns with Leeds' 79 per cent white population.

That said, we continue to work towards increasing diversity, enabling all students to benefit from their peers' shared experiences and perspectives.

We must collectively promote and embrace more opportunities, such as SAHM, to underrepresented students within our South Asian communities.

Historically, ethnic minorities have been underrepresented in the construction industry, especially on apprenticeship programmes. Various factors, including limited awareness, unconscious biases in recruitment, and social and economic barriers, influence this.

These same individuals may also face challenges accessing apprenticeship opportunities due to limited networks, information, and resources. Unequal access to quality education, training, and career guidance can sadly contribute to disparities in participation.

Perceptions and stereotypes associated with the construction industry may deter some individuals from considering apprenticeships too. The existence of a predominantly white and male-dominated industry can create barriers and contribute to a lack of representation.

Apprenticeships often require a supportive environment, including mentors, role models, and inclusive workplace cultures. Limited representation of ethnic minorities within the industry can create a lack of support networks and role models for aspiring apprentices from varied backgrounds.

As a college, we are committed to driving change and supporting the construction industry to develop a more inclusive and diverse culture.

We would be delighted to hear from other employers embracing diversity within the construction sector. Please get in touch with [email protected], and together we can create a brighter future that nurtures every individual's unique journey.

Rob Holmes is Assistant Principal - Quality and Student Experience at Leeds College of Building