Traditionally male-dominated sectors such as HGV driving, engineering, and groundworking have seen very few women enter the workforce. For many, barriers included feeling out of place within the work culture, assumptions about physical strength compared to male colleagues, and a lack of clear entry points for women to begin their careers. These challenges limited opportunities and discouraged many from considering these roles.

Things are now beginning to change. More women are stepping into these professions, and support networks are playing a vital role in breaking down barriers. At Lanes Group, we recognise the difference mentoring can make. This guide highlights how women-to-women mentoring relationships provide the encouragement, advice and guidance that help women build confidence, develop skills and thrive in industries that women struggled to access previously.

How Women to Women Mentoring Helps Female Mentees

Shared Experiences

Women mentoring other women can have a powerful impact on those starting out or progressing in their careers. Shared experiences create a foundation of trust, where female mentors can offer guidance shaped by challenges they themselves have faced. In workplaces that are traditionally male dominated, this understanding becomes even more valuable. Mentees benefit from hearing how others have handled similar situations, from overcoming barriers to building confidence in their abilities. Learning directly from someone who has walked a similar path provides not only practical advice but also reassurance that challenges can be addressed and opportunities taken.

It's OK to Be Yourself

Through mentoring, many women discover that it’s perfectly acceptable to bring their authentic selves into the workplace as opposed to trying to be more like their male counterparts. Learning from other women who have built their careers without feeling the need to change who they are can be empowering. It shows that you don’t need to adjust your personality or suppress your individuality to succeed. If you want to embrace femininity in a traditionally male-oriented industry, mentoring can highlight that this is not a weakness but a strength. By seeing how others have thrived while remaining true to themselves, mentees gain the confidence to value their own qualities and use them to contribute positively to their roles.

Networking Opportunites

Networking opportunities are another way mentoring can positively shape your career journey. When mentoring women, experienced female leaders often share the professional connections they have built over years of work, giving mentees the chance to access networks that might otherwise be difficult to reach. These connections can create opportunities to move into new roles, explore different areas of work or meet people who can provide valuable guidance and support.

For young women, this exposure is invaluable for professional development. It not only helps you understand how different parts of an industry connect but also allows you to form meaningful relationships that can strengthen your progression. By being introduced to the right people of the industry community at the right time, and learning how to build on those introductions, you gain the momentum and confidence needed to take the next step in your career goals.

Closing the Gender Gap

Closing the gender gap starts with making industries more accessible to those who may have felt excluded in the past. With the right support and guidance, women are better able to step into fields that have traditionally been male dominated. Mentoring plays an important part in this process by easing the transition, offering encouragement and providing practical advice on how to succeed. As more women gain the confidence to enter and progress in these industries, the workforce begins to reflect greater balance, creating new opportunities and paving the way for future generations to do the same.

Learning Leadership Skills

Learning leadership skills is one of the long-term benefits of being mentored by other women. By observing how mentors guide, teach and support, mentees begin to develop their own approach to leadership as they reach an executive level. This experience provides a foundation they can build on when it comes time to mentor others in the future. Watching how women leaders balance encouragement with constructive feedback gives mentees practical examples they can adapt and use themselves. Over time, this not only prepares them for leadership roles but also strengthens the cycle of support for the next generation of women entering the workplace.

Start a Mentorship Programme with Lanes Group

Start a mentorship programme with Lanes Group and you’ll gain the support you need to develop your skills while building a rewarding and lasting career in the drainage industry. We offer:

• Career development: structured training programmes designed to strengthen your professional skills, provide mentoring from experienced leaders and give you the confidence to progress towards your goals.
• Fair and competitive pay: salaries that reflect the value of your contribution, helping you to focus on your career without financial uncertainty.
• Employee recognition: a supportive environment where achievements are acknowledged and success is celebrated, helping you feel appreciated in your role.
• Long-term employment focus: investment in your future, offering stability and opportunities to shape a fulfilling career with us over the years ahead.
• Flexible working patterns: options such as four days on and four days off, standard 9 to 5 hours and back-to-work programmes, giving you the balance you need between professional development and your personal life.

With these opportunities in place, we create an environment where women can thrive, develop leadership skills and take confident steps towards building a secure and rewarding future.

Get in Touch Today

We’re looking for hardworking, ambitious women who are ready to take the next step in their careers and join our team. At Lanes Group, we believe in creating opportunities where you can develop your skills, grow your confidence and build a future that works for you. If you’re motivated to succeed and want to be part of a supportive environment that values progression, we’d like to hear from you.

If you’re ready to move forward in your career, get in touch with us today and start your journey with Lanes Group. Contact us today.

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