Highways and railways are earmarked for major upgrades and further developments, and major projects such as HS2 continue to progress. This sector is also being influenced by new technologies and construction methods and there’s an opportunity to be at the forefront of this.

In the energy sector new technologies continue to drive the transition towards renewables and there’s the opportunity to be at the forefront of working towards carbon neutrality. There’s a demand for skills in the building facilities for production of energy, infrastructure development, upgrades and integration, as well as energy storage.

Similarly, as EV charging infrastructure development is accelerated, there will be an increased demand for skilled professionals at all levels who can effectively plan and implement wide scale projects.

There’s a push to improve infrastructure in the telco industry as the UK aims to broaden it’s roll out of fibre and 5G services throughout the country. Many new technologies are influencing the telco industry and it’s an exciting sector to be operating in.

Technical knowledge and industry skills are a given, but becoming a senior professional that is respected as a leader takes much more. Consider developing these key skills that are as important as technical knowledge and define what good leadership is all about.

Broader future outlook – Develop an ability to identify global trends and draw insights from what is happening in the broader economy. It will help you stay a step ahead and proactively plan for possible future challenges. This type of strategic thinking can help make better use of resources and reduce delays and project interruptions. The ability to think through possible future scenarios and incorporate that into project plans is a skill highly sought out in senior roles.

Innovative problem solving – The challenges facing companies today require creative and innovative thinking. Leaders that can inspire teams to find solutions that they can implement quickly to overcome challenges are an asset. Supporting this by leveraging project management tools helps to streamline progress.

Communication and people skills: When targets change and pressure to deliver mounts, the ability to communicate clearly makes a world of difference. It helps diffuse tension, and enables team members to focus on key priorities. Building strong working relationships fosters collaboration and ensures teams are working towards common goals.

It’s a job seekers market with abundant opportunities in all sectors of construction and infrastructure. Continued investment in infrastructure and adoption of innovative technologies make new roles even more attractive. What are the considerations to think about if you’re looking to make a move?

Type of projects: Working on high profile projects can boost your CV. However, be sure you’re moving for the right reasons and understand that because of the public spotlight there will be even more pressure to deliver. Make sure you can add value. Understand what stage the project is in, what the expectations are for the role in terms of deliverables, and what kind of support you’ll get in terms of technology and company resources.

Digital transformation and technology: In terms of career progression, it’s worthwhile considering a role if it offers an opportunity to work with new technologies. But with that will come an expectation to gain a level of proficiency fairly quickly. Do your homework to research and learn as much as possible about the tools and technologies you’ll be working with. This demonstrates a willingness to learn and build on your existing skills.

Cultural fit: The workplace has changed. If hybrid and flexible working is important to you, you won’t be happy moving to a company that has a rigid office only policy. Use your network to find out more about the company culture before applying for a role.

Career progression often requires taking on a new role and making the decision to move isn’t always easy. Of all the factors, understanding your reasons for moving are critical. Success comes when your ‘why’ aligns with your career goals and personal values.
You can ask questions such as: Is this the right career move for me right now? Are the benefits going to be as good as promised? Sometimes it’s good to dig deeper and be honest with yourself:

Hopping from one job to the next may accelerate your earning in the short term, but doesn’t show commitment. Ultimately companies look for people that continue to add value over time and contribute to what the company is building.