Women in construction – traffic control jobs as a stepping stone

When Ava Prenty and Tory O’Connor contacted us looking for temporary work, neither had worked in construction. They had a fair idea of what being a traffic controller (flagman) entailed from a friend who had experience and recommended NexVentur.

Their starting point was to complete the simple process of getting the safety tickets that are essential for anyone going on to a construction site: Safe Pass and a manual handling certificate. Once that was done, Katie Adams, who runs the construction temporary staffing division, was able to place them on a site in Castlebar, Mayo.

“When I first started working on road works with NexVentur, I wasn’t sure what to expect. It’s a field where you don’t see many women, and I wondered how I would be received,” says Ava. “From the very first week, I was welcomed into the team with respect and encouragement.”

What it’s like working as a traffic controller

There’s more to traffic control than meets the eye. The nature of the job means you are on your feet most of the time. This role also requires contact with the public, such as drivers and other road users, directing traffic and communicating on a radio.

Ava elaborates: “The work itself is challenging, but in the best way. The variety keeps me motivated. Working with NexVentur is very rewarding. I love working with them! Best part of it is when the locals thank you for fixing their roads.”

Women working in construction

While traditionally male-dominated, the construction industry is evolving and more women enter each year in all professions. Traffic control is a great way to cut your teeth in construction and often provides a platform to progress into machine operating or other areas.

What certificates and qualifications do you need to do Traffic Control in Ireland?

• Safe Pass – required
• Manual Handling – required
• CSCS Health & Safety at Roadworks – preferred
• CSCS Signing Lighting & Guarding At Roadworks (SLG) – preferred
• Submit your CV

If you would like to be included in our candidate database for upcoming construction roles, submit your CV. Please note thcat due to the high volume of applications we receive for some positions we do not reply to every submission.