Nominations for
the annual UK Construction Week (UKCW) Role Models initiative have quadrupled
since last year, according to event organisers Media 10.

Dozens of construction
professionals were among the entrants this Spring, attracted to a scheme which
provides a schools contact programme and public platform to professionals of
any age and background to share inspiring stories of how they came into their
career and why they love what they do.

UKCW has chosen
98 Role Models out of hundreds of entries, from all professions and at all
levels, and has now published its shortlist
for 2019.

These Role
Models include people at chief executive, director and associate director
level, but also many more junior representatives who have made a huge impact at
the very start of their careers. They include architects, engineers,
construction project managers, site managers, quantity surveyors, a wide range
of sustainability, health and safety and geotechnical experts, tradespeople and
professionals focused on digital construction, administration, finance, HR,
learning and communications.

All Role Models
will be given the opportunity to speak at UKCW on the main stage of the UK’s
largest construction event, and will take part in the UKCW’s student initiative
at the NEC between 8-10 October to advise and encourage those considering a
career in construction.

The overall
2019 Role Model of the Year will then be announced on Wednesday 9 October by
BBC’s Steph McGovern.

Last year’s
winner, Arleta Andreasik-Paton, a senior project manager at AECOM, said: “I was
not from a construction background, but I moved into the industry with
transferrable skills. I want to encourage others to do the same. It’s a
privilege to be able to become a role model for other talented young people who
can find wonderful careers in construction.”

Nathan
Garnett, UKCW event director, said:

“The
response to this year’s UKCW Role Model initiative has been overwhelming and
covers every aspect of construction, from architecture to bricklaying to
digital design and management. The Role Models really show the diverse range of
jobs available in construction and they are all passionate about their jobs and
promoting construction as a great career opportunity.

“Each of our
Role Models has an inspiring career story which will spur others into similar
roles. Mentoring is a big part of what a Role Model does, and last year’s Role
Models have been out visiting schools and meeting young people to give
encouragement, while also promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in
construction.

“If you want
to see the future of the industry, you will want to meet these people and hear
what they have to say at UK Construction Week.”

Registration for the event is now open. By registering once visitors will have access to multiple
sections: Build,
Building Tech, Timber, Civils, Energy & HVAC, Surface & Materials and
the newly launched Concrete
Expo (8-9 October only) and Grand Designs Live (9-10
October only), which will also be taking place at the NEC, Birmingham.

www.ukconstructionweek.com