60 Seconds with Rachel McKeeman, CITB NI

CITB NI are focused on skills and training, and we work with contractors and professional and trade bodies to support training initiatives and skills development for the overall benefit of the industry. As an Industry Training Board and Sector Skills Council our vision is to have a construction industry were skills and competence are at the core of every business plan and a training culture where skills are at the heart of each construction company, no matter how large or small.

Monday 1 November 2021

60 Seconds with Rachel McKeeman, CITB NI

Director of Industry Training and Support

Tell us about your role and your organisation

CITB NI are focused on skills and training, and we work with contractors and professional and trade bodies to support training initiatives and skills development for the overall benefit of the industry. As an Industry Training Board and Sector Skills Council our vision is to have a construction industry were skills and competence are at the core of every business plan and a training culture where skills are at the heart of each construction company, no matter how large or small.

The Pandemic has had a major effect on all industries and moving forward CITB NI will continue to focus on providing the support and services needed to ensure local businesses are equipped with all the right skills and continue to follow the strategic road map developed in recent years, under our themes to benefit the Industry - Training Hub, Quality Standards, Partnership Work, Commercial Opportunities and Embracing Innovation. For further information on what we do and how we can help with construction training, grants and skills log on to www.citbni.org.uk

As part of CITB NI’s Executive Management Team, I am involved in the strategic planning and development of the organisation. I am also responsible for delivering Training in Partnership funding and programmes for the local construction industry, delivering training via CITB NI’s Mobile Training Unit and onsite scaffolding centre, facilities management and skills competitions.

Give us a brief overview of your career journey so far

I have over 10 years experience working at a senior level developing and delivering construction, training, auditing, apprenticeships and quality assessment programmes. My previous roles include Senior Area Manager at Openreach Ltd and Regional Operations Manager at Premier Inn. I was also a board member for the Openreach Gender Equality Board, advising on policy, diversity and inclusion.

Having moved from hospitality, into telecommunications and recently into CITB NI, I have gained immense experience across very different industries but leadership skills and my passion for people is what gets me out of bed every day. I studied International Tourism Management at the University of Ulster and have always had a keen interest in business and I had the flexibility to move around to further my personal development and growth, this saw me move to Bournemouth and later to London to further my career.

Describe yourself in 3 words

Open-minded, passionate and thoughtful.

What is one skill that helps you most in your role?

Strategic thinking.

What advice do you have for women in your industry?

Talk to the women you look up to and aspire to be like, you'll soon find they have the same fears as you and you're more alike than you realise.

Are there any exciting plans in the year ahead in your organisation that you can share with us?

We are planning our next Women in Construction Summit in 2022, the first one was a huge success celebrating women in this sector and received huge support and we are looking forward to the event next year.

Who has been your biggest career inspiration and why?

My Father. He has ran his various businesses over the years with his customers at the forefront and this is one bit of DNA that I have certainly inherited. No matter what industry you're in, you will always have customers and treating them well isn't just good business, it actually feels great too!

If you had to pick your soundtrack song to get you through the working day, what would it be?

Right Here, Right Now (Fatboy Slim)

What's your favourite break-time snack?

Pink Lady apples

How can you fellow WIB members keep up to date with you and your organisation?

Follow CITB NI on LinkedIn

Monday 1 November 2021