Meet Riona Woodman, Community and Social Value Manager at Helix Construct
What advice would you give your younger self when leaving school?
If I could give my younger self one piece of advice when leaving school, it would be not to worry about having everything planned out. Keep an open mind, be curious and explore opportunities that you may not have considered before.
What made you choose a career in construction?
My own career certainly hasn't followed a straight path. After 15 years working for an airline and time spent raising my family, I returned to work in the property sector. It was there that I was introduced to construction and saw first-hand the teamwork that goes into every project. I was inspired by the way people from different trades, professions and organisations worked together, and by the commitment to creating opportunities and positive outcomes for local communities. That's what led me into construction and eventually into my current role in social value.
What do you enjoy most about working within the industry?
What I enjoy most is the variety. No two days are ever the same. I work with clients, suppliers, schools, charities and community groups to maximise the positive impact of our projects. One day I might be engaging our supply chain to support apprenticeships or community initiatives, and the next delivering workshops, mentoring students or supporting local organisations. Seeing people develop their skills and confidence and knowing we are helping to create opportunities for others, is incredibly rewarding.
Why should school leavers consider a career in construction?
Construction is often seen as just bricks and mortar, but it's an incredibly diverse industry with careers to suit a wide range of interests and skills. Whether you're interested in a skilled trade, engineering, design, project management, health and safety, sustainability, technology, or roles like social value and community engagement, there are many different paths available.
What are some of the benefits of a career in construction?
One of the biggest advantages is that you don't always have to choose between earning and learning. Apprenticeships provide the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the workplace while studying at college or university, spending one day a week learning in the classroom and the rest developing practical skills on real projects.
Construction is about much more than building structures. It's about creating places, supporting communities and leaving a positive legacy. Along the way, you can develop valuable skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving and leadership. Whatever your strengths, construction offers rewarding careers and the opportunity to make a real difference.
Learn more about careers and apprenticeships with Go Construct
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