Being deaf has not held me back from becoming a surveyor

By Helen Booker-Hunt 2024-12-17T07:00:00

We need to work harder at being inclusive and value the skills people with disabilities bring to the workplace, says Helen Booker-Hunt at Acivico Group

The construction industry has always been seen as tough, gritty and traditionally male-dominated. Just 9.3% of the 2.4 million workers in construction identify as having a disability, while only 13% are female. But times are changing, and I have had the privilege of being part of this transformation. As a deaf woman in this field, my perspective is unique and shows how inclusion can take root when people are willing to learn and grow.

My journey started with a sixth-form work experience placement at Nottingham City Council. I was drawn in by the variety and camaraderie of the surveying and maintenance tasks. It was not long before I knew this was the career for me, which led me to pursue a building surveying degree at Wolverhampton University.

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