Educate, Inspire and Empower
Educate, Inspire and Empower
The construction industry shapes our cities, connects our communities, and plays a crucial role in economic growth. Yet, for too long, it has struggled with a lack of diversity and barriers to entry for many underrepresented groups. That’s why I founded Constructing Change.
I believe the construction sector should reflect the communities it serves. With over 30 construction organisations supporting, including the Institution of Civil Engineers, the Environment Agency, National Highways, and the Department for Business and Trade, we’re driving real change—bringing social value, improving diversity, and opening doors for those who might never have considered a career in construction.
Our unique strength lies in collaboration. By uniting schools, local authorities, businesses, and policymakers, we are creating a movement that fosters opportunity and accessibility. Through Constructing Change, ‘Educate – Learning in Action’, we take young people aged 13-16 onto live construction sites, giving them hands-on exposure to the many roles available. From civil engineers and project managers to quantity surveyors, site supervisors, and environmental specialists, we showcase the vast range of career paths within construction. It’s about inspiring the next generation and showing them what’s possible.
We are excited to launch new site visits at Littleborough and Bewdley, giving even more young people the chance to experience the construction industry firsthand. These initiatives provide invaluable insight into real-world projects, helping to bridge the gap between education and employment.
Change doesn’t happen overnight, and it certainly doesn’t happen in isolation. Constructing Change is built on partnerships. By working together, we can bridge the gap between industry and education, making sure young people have the right skills, knowledge, and connections to pursue fulfilling careers in construction.
One of my biggest priorities is improving gender diversity in construction. Women make up only a small percentage of the workforce, and that needs to change. Through mentoring, collaboration, and direct engagement, we’re showing young women that construction is a place where they can thrive.
We also highlight the industry’s evolving landscape, embracing digital technology, sustainability, and modern construction methods, so young people can see the full breadth of opportunities available to them. Careers in construction aren’t just about building; they involve problem-solving, innovation, and making a lasting impact on communities.
We’re also ensuring our work delivers real impact by aligning with frameworks like the National TOMs Framework, the Value Toolkit, and the Social Value Engine. Constructing Change isn’t just about talking, it’s about taking action and making a tangible difference.
Join the Collaboration
We’re at a pivotal moment in the construction industry. The workforce is changing, expectations are shifting, and businesses are recognising the need for a more inclusive, socially responsible approach.
Constructing Change is leading the way, but we can’t do it alone. Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. Whether you’re a construction professional, an educator, a policymaker, or just someone who believes in making a difference, we’d love you to be part of this movement. Together, we can build a future that truly includes everyone.
The industry needs change. By working together, we’re making it happen.
Categories: Insights