The Highways Sector Council (HSC) has launched a 'Ways of Life' campaign to encourage new people into the sector and showcase the positive role it plays in our lives.
The campaign highlights the opportunities there are for rewarding careers in the sector and was 'designed by early and mid-career professionals in order to accurately portray highways and transport work'.
The centrepiece of the launch was an engaging video, with testimonies from three role models, Sharon Changula, Department for Transport - head of bus funding, delivery, public transport and local group, Grace Prendergast, carbon analyst from FM Conway, and Shyam Ruparelia, senior civil engineer technician from Leicestershire County Council.
The future of roads minister Lilian Greenwood said: 'Our road network is made possible by a talented workforce, who are the foundation for delivering better, safer roads that connect businesses and communities, and grow our economy.
'The future of our roads depends on a new generation to drive this work forward, which is why we have partnered with Highways Sector Council to launch its ‘Ways of Life’ skills campaign.
'We hope this campaign will help bring more brilliant people into the workforce, to continue to deliver our world leading road infrastructure.'
Anna Delvecchio, founding member of the Highways Sector Council, said: 'It’s vital that the sector continues to attract skilled talent now and, in the future, so we were proud to incorporate insights from various schools in order to understand how the campaign can resonate with tomorrow’s workforce.'
Elliot Shaw, National Highways chief customer and strategy officer, said: 'This new campaign highlights not only the vital role highways play in keeping the country moving but also the exciting and rewarding careers that contribute to this essential work.
'From cutting-edge technology to environmental innovation, the future of our roads is brighter than ever, and we’re proud to be at the forefront of it. It’s fantastic to see the highways sector uniting to deliver this campaign.'
Scott Wardrop, founding member of the Highways Sector Council, said: 'Our Countries’ mobility needs highways, despite often being the poor relation, the ‘Ways of Life’ campaign underlines the hugely positive role that highways play in supporting modern lives, achieving policy goals to cut carbon and adopt more sustainable travel options.
'I am delighted at the way the sector has come together to engage with this initiative, particularly the energy and enthusiasm that our early and mid-career professionals have brought to bear, as reflected in the video.'
