Meet the expert Anne Okafor

For Anne Okafor a job in the construction industry has always been a dream role.

“It’s true: I love construction! The variety is one of the best things about this industry. No two days are the same,” she says.

“The people make it so unique – I meet people from all backgrounds, all ages and experiences, as well as a fair few characters.”

Anne carried out her studies while also working and recently graduated from Glasgow Caledonian University with a First Class BSc degree in Construction Management.

She is currently employed as a Trainee Assistant Planner for Allenbuild.

“I get to think about the sequencing and logic behind the construction of a new building and create the schedule that will be followed.”

Anne admits it can be challenging but adds: “I’m always thinking of the best ways to do the job. I love being out onsite, marking up progress and seeing the job come to fruition. Watching our plans unfold is very satisfying.

“For me the attraction is the challenge and the satisfaction of knowing you’ve contributed to something that changes people’s lives, giving them new homes, or places for recreation or work. Having a hand in creating these experiences for people is pretty amazing.”

Anne points out there are many routes into jobs at all levels.

“For example, I’ve come from a hospitality background and moved five years ago to begin studying and to start my career in construction. There are transferable skills from my previous roles that I use today in my job.

“In both hospitality and construction, I’m selling a product, an experience, managing client expectations and delivering a good service, sometimes under pressure.

“The ability to keep cool and communicate well with others so I’m able to deliver a great service served me well both in hospitality and in the construction environment.”

So, how can more young people make this leap and be persuaded to get into construction?

“The biggest obstacle is people simply aren’t aware of all the wonderful career opportunities that fall under the construction banner.

“Also, many don’t see construction as a valid career choice. We need to showcase all these great opportunities to kids of school age and their parents so they can make informed choices about careers in construction.”

Anne says: “The industry reputation also takes a beating sometimes and I think this hinders recruitment. Things are getting better, however, with job seekers realising a construction company can be a great place to work.

“We have opportunities to learn about new technologies and use them to create our buildings.”

Despite recruitment drives, the construction industry is still lacking in gender equality. In 2007, 12.1% of workers in construction were female and reports in 2016 showed that figure had only increased slightly to 12.8%.

In fact, a more recent study in 2018 by Wise found the number of female employees in construction numbered just 11%, meaning the industry could actually be taking a step backwards.

Anne, however, remains upbeat and positive. “I do believe things are getting better. Like with anything, more needs to be done but the best way we can achieve this is by having successful women leading the way and showing other girls and women that it’s a viable and sustainable career choice for a woman.”

Anne is doing her own bit to champion the entire industry through her role at the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB). The leading voice for construction management, this body sets out ethical and moral guidelines for its members to uphold.

It also has a young professionals group called Novus that seeks to help young, new pros bridge the gap from studying to chartered membership.

“I’ve been involved with Novus for almost five years,” says Anne. “Firstly, I was involved as a committee member for the Glasgow group then, having seen a need for a group in Edinburgh, I set it up and I am the current Chair. We host events such as CPDs, site visits and social events to help young and new professionals expand their professional networks.”

Through her work as Edinburgh Chair, Anne was also voted as the European Regional Group Vice Chair for 2019, where she supports the Chair in representing all the Chairs from the region within the Institute.

“I do this to give back to an industry that’s given me so much and to offer help to as many people as I can by making sure they know of opportunities and have access to information that I didn’t when starting out.”

Anne has mentored many young professionals, as well as helping with CVs, offering advice for interviews and helping to expand networks, knowledge and experience through events.

“I didn’t have people doing these things for me until I got into the industry, so I feel it’s important for me to lead by example and let others have the benefit of my own experience to make their journey a little simpler.”

So does Anne have any words of wisdom to readers who’d like to follow in her footsteps?

“Once you decide what route you want to take – and there are many – just keep showing up and putting the work in. It can be challenging but it’s extremely rewarding.

“If something doesn’t work out, try something else. There’s an abundance of opportunities available and the skills you learn in one will help with others.

“So get stuck in! Most people in the industry love it and stay because of the sense of achievement.”

If meeting Anne has inspired you to begin your own journey into the world of construction, take your first steps with the latest vacancies on jobs24.com.

Posted on August 7, 2019