Inspiring more people into infrastructure, construction and transformation

I continue to have great conversations with my Infrastructure, Construction and Transformation leaders’ network, and a recurring theme is the opportunity to share more reflections that broaden the industry’s appeal and reach. Many people, myself included, are committed to building rewarding careers in this sector, and I’ve had the privilege of working across trades, construction management, client leadership and advisory roles.

This article shares some of those reflections for both employers and individuals exploring their next step. Take what’s useful to help strengthen your opportunities –whether you’re a client, advisor, contractor, supply-chain partner, trade, employer or jobseeker. I hope a few of these tools earn a place in your toolkit.

Implement educational initiatives in schools to raise awareness about the various career opportunities which exist today. For example, use ‘Minecraft for kids’ as a link to ‘Minecraft in real life,’ this is what we do in this sector, see their eyes light up – I have!

Prioritise safety and worker wellbeing on infrastructure and construction sites – from adequate facilities and properly fitting PPE for everyone, to tackling physical and mental health risks. Challenge the myth that all roles are “muddy”, and do more to support healthy minds. Too many lives are lost to suicide on building sites – we must talk more and support each other, every day.

Promote apprenticeship programmes, as well as University routes. Provide individuals with practical, on-the-job training and the chance to earn while they learn options. Offer to sponsor, to help improve accessibility and quality of these programmes.

Encourage industry professionals (like me) to support as mentors and role models, sharing their experiences and success stories to inspire people regarding the industry and what it has to offer, no matter their background they can realise their full potential.

Emphasise the role of infrastructure, construction, transformation in creating sustainable and green developments. Everything people use today must be constructed. Appeal to the growing interest in environmental issues amongst people, that in this industry they can #bethechange.

Promote diversity statistics, I know we are still not going fast enough, whilst progress is progress, where all types of people can carve out successful careers here. Help raise the confidence of people from all backgrounds to speak up, to share that they can be part of the continued change towards being more represented.

Provide clear pathways for progression and skill development within the business, illustrate how it can be a long-term, rewarding professional choice.

Foster collaboration among infrastructure, construction and transformation firms, trade associations, and educational institutions to collectively increase the sector’s growth, image and workforce opportunities.

My overall view remains, at this time, collectively, as an industry we can continue to build momentum for change, where all types of people, young to mature can choose infrastructure, construction and transformation careers to lead their futures, finding more purpose, joy, choice and prosperity than they ever imagined. Securing a pipeline of talent for our industry’s future becomes easier, as everyone, in the UK and Globally needs the built environment to thrive, whether each citizen recognises it or not.

Dr Claire Handby FCIOB MAPM, 25 years spent within Infrastructure. Operating on many sides of the table with leading contractors and developers, including Laing O’Rourke, Mace Group, McCarthy & Stone and three management consultancies: EY, Deloitte and KPMG. Claire has worked with flagship clients across sectors, including transport, utilities, media, health, insurance, nuclear, aviation, tech start-ups, education, investors, third sector and government.

Today, she runs her leadership advisory business, independently guiding desired business growth and change trajectories. Fellow with the CIOB, a visiting professor at Salford University and a member of the APM, she continues to have an outstanding career. Furthermore, Claire is internationally accredited with ICF and EMCC in Executive Coaching.

Claire has served in executive and non-executive capacities; she sometimes contributes to national forums shaping policy and industry reform, keynote speaking. Recognised for her thought leadership and mentoring, Dr Handby is committed to helping realise greater societal and economic impact through transformative, well-led built environment projects.