Role models inspire the new face of construction

Talented people working in construction are to be recognised as part of a campaign to encourage others to follow their own career in the sector.

Launched in March 2018, UK Construction Week (UKCW) established its Role Models campaign, with help from the Construction Youth Trust, to inspire others and raise awareness of the breadth of roles available in the construction industry. The winner will be announced on October 10, on the UKCW Stage at the NEC, followed by a champagne reception and a meet and greet with keynote speaker, Barbara Res.

After much consideration, the judges put together a shortlist of 36 people from more than 130 high-quality entries. The extensive and diverse job roles of those shortlisted include a crane operator; a beyond zero coordinator; a national water sector lead; a BIM strategy manager; a chairman; an equality, diversity, and inclusion specialist; and a bricklaying tutor. A handful of architects, engineers and surveyors have also been shortlisted. People with non-construction specific services such as marketing also made the list, demonstrating the broad range of skills and knowledge contained within the industry.

While London is often seen as the hub for the construction sector, the shortlisted entrants hail from locations across the UK including Lancashire, Northern Ireland, Birmingham, Bristol, Chelmsford, Weybridge, Oxford, Coventry, Truro, Hereford, Worcester, Sheffield, Glasgow, Dartford, Leeds, Southampton, Plymouth, Cardiff, Preston, Exeter, and Chester.

Changing the face of construction

The judges were impressed with the role models’ passion for improving the image and culture of construction; breaking paradigms and changing stereotypes; actively campaigning for equality within the sector; teaching others and building bridges between the industry and education; inspiring young people; supporting apprentices; and championing diversity throughout the industry.

Nathan Garnett, UKCW event director, said: “As part of being shortlisted, role models will take part in an outreach programme to help build connections with local schools and colleges. It’s about sharing their construction career journeys and inspiring the next generation by dispelling the myths surrounding the construction industry.

“It’s an amazing opportunity for people to be celebrated in an industry that often gets negative press. It’s also an opportunity to celebrate the work the role models are doing, not just on a day to day basis, but the work they’ve personally taken on to make this industry better.”