What Novus means to me

This year sees the CIOB celebrating ten years of Novus. Novus is the dedicated, passionate group of young professionals who place the CIOB at the heart of their career and prepare young people to be the next generation of the construction industry.

With a number of activities planned over the coming months, including a debate looking at ‘The Sustainable Future of the Construction Industry’ taking place during Members’ Forum, webinars, the Novus UK & Ireland Challenge, and local celebratory events to name but a few this is set to be an exciting time for Novus.

To kick off these 10 year anniversary celebrations, the CIOB have spoken to three construction professionals at different stages in their career. We asked them about how they were inspired to start their journey in the industry and how Novus is helping, or has helped, them to inspire others to take the same path. Keep your eyes peeled over the coming weeks too for a video competition launching soon; a chance to share with us your own personal inspirations.  

I decided to pursue a career in construction when I was 14 after participating in a ‘Women in Construction’ workshop at school. I know what an impact that had on me and I’ve always wanted to give back and be able to influence the next generation coming through behind me. This was a large part of my decision to become part of Novus a year ago.

I met Hazel Yorke, the CIOB’s Development Manager for the North, and she encouraged me to get involved. There were very few Novus members in the Manchester area at the time but there was a big push to recruit more members and grow the Manchester hub. My role in Novus compliments my STEM ambassador role as a mentor to college students. I love being able to encourage others to pursue this sector. I regularly catch up with my mentees, supporting them with their CV’s, personal statements and in locating and applying for industry placements.

I’ve also been able to meet likeminded professionals from across the North West. From no Novus members to when I started, we now have contact with 20 and continue to grow. Within a month of joining Novus I became chair of the Novus Group in Manchester and have helped to relaunch the group in Liverpool and Preston. It’s been great to be able to collaborate with them, as well as bring in young professionals from our surrounding areas. We do all sorts of CPDs and networking events, having recently collaborated with over 15 young professional groups from other chartered institutes to hold a successful networking event. We have an upcoming charity walk up Snowdon, as well as organising development events, such as the one we are planning focusing on mental health. As well as giving back, we get to network and share ideas and discussions. Wherever I go there’s always someone I know as the more you become involved the more people you get to meet in this industry. When you fall on tough times there are people checking in on you and offering you support and advice.

I’d encourage anyone who is currently joining Novus or looking to join as new entrants or young professionals within the industry to get in touch.

When I was at school there wasn’t a lot of support or information about a career in construction. I knew that I wanted to be involved in creating these incredible buildings in unique places but there wasn’t a person I could chat to about it. I pursued my career off my own back and went to Loughborough to study Construction Management.

The course I did was accredited by the CIOB and so I pursued the pathway to membership as I liked the CPD events on offer from the Hubs. It was there that I was told about Novus and I saw the opportunity to give something back. Through Novus I’ve been able to be that support to the next generation that I didn’t get to have – someone you can sit and chat with about what construction really looks like. We get to encourage others into the industry, through events and activities, and bring the reality of what a career in construction can become.

I’m coming to the end of my time with Novus now but I look back fondly on how we’ve built a network and a community, especially as younger professionals have joined and I’ve been able to be a mentor and support to springboard them into their careers. I’m not stepping away from the CIOB however; as I intend to continue being involved at a committee level so I can continue to give something back.

I fell into a career in construction as a management trainee for a local construction company and it was a perfect fit. I enjoy the challenges of the varied work environment, the fast pace and the continual stretching. This first role brought great opportunities, with supportive peers and management, as well as the chance to study part time for a BSc at Colchester Institute.

After I’d finished my degree and had a few years of professional experience, I returned to my lecturer and asked how I could give something back. I’d done my degree part time whilst working and I knew what a difference it could make to students to have guest lecturers from industry bring up to date experience. I knew how other students could benefit from much needed site experience and insight, and it was my lecturer who suggested that I get involved in Novus. The CIOB is an important part of maintaining our professional conduct in the construction industry, something that I take very seriously. Novus was a great introduction to networks of like-minded professionals to build relationships with, but it was also a great way to give back to those a few years behind me in their careers.

I always encourage others to get involved with Novus as it’s a rewarding thing to do. Admittedly, not all students we speak to are interested but those that are make the effort worthwhile. And it’s mutually beneficial! By supporting those in their first steps towards a construction career, I’m also getting challenged by their new perspectives and questions. The most challenging question to answer is often ‘why do you do it that way?’ I’ve since continued my work with the CIOB and am now Vice Chair for the London Hub, so Novus has also been a stepping stone into progressing my own professional development.

To find out more about Novus please contact Sophie Cox, [email protected] or alternatively why not follow us on Twitter @CIOBNovus.