CECA North East targets civil engineering skills gap
CECA North East has appointed Kate Barclay as its new business support manager, with a focus on supporting initiatives to address the civil engineering sector’s skills gap.
Barclay, from Jarrow, joins the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) North East following a career in finance and property management.
She studied Business Administration at the University of Sunderland and brings experience in business support, office management, project coordination and stakeholder engagement.
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Reporting to CECA North East director and secretary Stuart Miller, Barclay will support delivery of the organisation’s Annual Business Plan across its five core areas of activity: sustainability, climate change and social value; careers and recruitment; skills and training; clients and workload; and health, safety and wellbeing.
CECA North East targets civil engineering skills shortage
A key part of Barclay’s role will be supporting the sector’s response to workforce shortages and encouraging more young people to consider careers in civil engineering.
Working with CECA North East’s Foundations Group, member companies, schools, colleges, universities and training providers, she will help develop regional initiatives promoting apprenticeship, graduate and work experience opportunities.
The programme will also include support for skills bootcamps and educational outreach, alongside efforts to raise awareness of career opportunities across the civil engineering sector.
Barclay will take responsibility for the CECA College Bursary Scheme, working with local colleges to promote civil engineering and encourage new entrants into the industry.
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She will also support the delivery of the new groundworker Olympics for the 2026/27 academic year and work with CECA members and other stakeholders on an initiative aimed at increasing the supply of trained groundworkers.
New role to support construction skills and training
Barclay said: “This is an exciting time to join CECA North East, which is doing some really important work to support the civil engineering sector and its members.
“One of the things that attracted me to the role was the opportunity to work with schools, colleges, training providers and industry to help inspire the next generation. By encouraging more young people to explore the wide range of careers available in civil engineering, we can help address the industry’s skills gap while creating opportunities that could shape their futures.”
Alongside skills and workforce initiatives, Barclay will support the planning and delivery of CECA North East events, training courses and member engagement activity.
Her responsibilities will also include social media and marketing activity aimed at attracting new entrants to civil engineering, as well as supporting initiatives covering legal and commercial matters, health and safety, sustainability and social value.
She will work with client organisations, CECA members, associate members, sponsors and education partners to support collaboration across the regional civil engineering sector.
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Stuart Miller said: “Kate’s appointment reflects our commitment to supporting members and ensuring CECA North East continues to deliver real value across the region. As our programme of activity continues to grow, this role will strengthen our ability to develop new initiatives, support existing programmes and respond to some of the key opportunities and challenges facing the civil engineering sector.
“Kate brings valuable experience in business support, project coordination and stakeholder engagement, which will enhance the work we do on behalf of our members.”
