In a recent conversation with Sarah Garry, the dynamic CEO of the Property Care Association (PCA), it became evident that her appointment to the CITB Nations Council (England) marks a significant milestone in her distinguished career. Since joining the PCA in November 2023, Sarah’s tenure has been transformative, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to advancing the construction industry.
Need a mortgage? Focus360 Energy provides Professional Consultant Certificates. Learn more.
“The construction industry is at a pivotal point,” Sarah asserted, her voice a blend of urgency and enthusiasm. “There’s never been a greater need to focus on skills for the future, and I am really pleased to be taking up the CITB role to help shape that.” As an Employer Member on the CITB Nations Council, Sarah will collaborate with ten other representatives to provide critical industry insights. These insights will be instrumental in shaping CITB’s strategic plan to address the evolving demands of the construction sector across England, Wales, and Scotland.
Sarah’s extensive background in membership associations has uniquely equipped her for this role. At PCA, she has been pivotal in strengthening ties with the Government and policymakers while developing a flexible training programme aimed at fostering a modern, healthy, and energy-efficient housing stock in the UK. These responsibilities dovetail seamlessly with her new role at CITB, where she will advocate for more accessible training and better funding opportunities for PCA members and the broader construction sector. “There are careers for everyone in the construction industry,” Sarah emphasised. “We need to attract more talent and inspire them to play a part in providing healthy and safe homes.”
Her vision transcends rhetoric; Sarah is actively championing initiatives to make training more accessible and relevant. She underscored the importance of competence in light of the Building Safety Act, which mandates demonstrable competence in all building work. “Training is going to be vital, and CITB is going to have a role in ensuring that,” she stated firmly.
Sarah’s focus extends beyond new builds to upgrading the existing housing stock. “Factors such as energy efficiency and climate have a significant impact on the UK’s current housing stock,” she explained. “PCA members possess the technical expertise to play a key role in upgrading homes.” This involves both building new homes and retrofitting existing ones safely and sustainably. The PCA stands as a cornerstone organisation within the UK’s building protection industry, with its members operating across various sectors, including structural repair, waterproofing, wood preservation, damp protection, flood remediation, and invasive weed control. Their comprehensive approach ensures both new builds and refurbishments are safeguarded against moisture damage, mould, and decay. Furthermore, the association employs cutting-edge techniques to protect commercial and civil structures from water penetration and ground gases, along with using the latest scientific methods to combat invasive weeds like Japanese Knotweed.
“One in eight people in the UK work in construction,” Sarah highlighted, underscoring the sector’s significant economic role. She believes the diversity within the PCA’s membership profile offers a plethora of career opportunities. “The PCA will be further developing training programmes and initiatives to ensure new recruits benefit from long-lasting careers and acquire the technical expertise to support building owners and tenants,” she added.
This forward-thinking approach is in perfect alignment with CITB’s mission to attract talent and support skills development in the construction industry. Sarah remains optimistic about the future and the opportunities her new role will bring. “I look forward to the opportunities ahead,” she concluded with a smile.
As the interview concluded, it was clear that Sarah Garry’s dedication and vision for the construction industry are both profound and far-reaching. Her appointment to the CITB Nations Council is not merely a personal achievement but a significant step towards cultivating a more skilled, competent, and future-ready construction workforce in the UK.
Be the first to comment