For many years, I used my marketing, psychology and communication skills in the healthcare sector, working as part of Public Health. I promoted screening programmes, ran national TV and print campaigns for smoking cessation, and worked with patient groups to support self-management of long-term conditions.
I also worked on community health and fitness initiatives, and saw first-hand how the built environment can make or break our choices.
This lead to my work redesigning healthcare spaces like A&E and GP surgeries, working alongside some of the big construction contractors. Here I heard about the skills shortage in the construction industry, and the need to inspire a new generation into the workforce. So, I awarded myself the job of solving the skills gap!
Using the same marketing and psychology skills, I connected with the Careers Leaders in over 4,000 UK schools. Through them, I am able to reach over 3 million senior school students and promote roles in organisations like yours. I run an on-demand Virtual Work Experience platform, annual Construction Careers Weeks, huge online careers events (more below) and training for employers to understand the world of education.
Alongside all this, I teach HND construction topics around sustainability, I support cohorts of apprentices with their Off-the-Job compulsory requirements, I am the Construction Lead for the Careers & Enterprise Company, and I regularly speak at industry events and conferences.
The construction businesses that engage best with students and tell the most inspiring stories are – not surprisingly – in a good place with their own projects, clients and finances. But sadly, that’s less than 10% of the sector, according to CITB research. So, I want to help you do more of the work you love. I want you to be impacting and changing the world as much as you dream. I want you to be creating the best possible built environment. Because when you win, I win. And schools and students win.
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What if we took ourselves seriously as an industry?
What if we recognised how important we are, and acted accordingly?
No more lowest-price tenders or 2% profit margins. Reduced stress and mental health challenges. Time and space to improve what we do for the planet and for our end-users.
Just imagine it…
That’s the world I want construction companies to have. Because what you do is too important to leave to chance.
SOME FABULOUS ORGANISATIONS I'VE WORKED WITH:
FutureBuild Expo (l-r) Alison Watson, Katie Kelleher, Kathryn Lennon-Johnson, Rebecca Lovelace
Inspire Summit judges table (front tow, l-r) Sharon Slinger, (back row, l-r) Asif Sadiq, Harish Bhayani, Kate Myers, Kathryn Lennon-Johnson, Livia Williams, Tony Ginda
I’ve been very lucky to speak at many construction industry events and take part in panels, committees and judging groups in the sector.
I work with some of the most inspiring and exciting changemakers who are bringing forward new thoughts and ideas.
In creating my BUILD methodology and the related courses, tools, resources, webinars, masterclasses, worksheets, training sessions, challenges and communities, I hope I can offer something that will help you take your business in the direction you dream.
Here’s to all of us doing more of the work we love!
Paul Fenner, Chairman of Built Environment Skills in Schools and Head of National Construction Group at BDO (previously Moore Stephens), Kathryn Lennon-Johnson
