What can young people teach older generations? We all know young professionals just starting out in their careers have a lot to learn about how the construction industry works. They may have worked hard to acquire academic and technical skills at college or university but the widely accepted view is that none of that prepares them fully for the realities of being at the coalface. Therefore, the old timers often argue, young staff need support to learn the ropes, gain experience, establish networks and generally adapt to real working life. 

But what if that relationship were flipped? What if the existing industry were to adapt to those entering it for the first time? The idea would be to see things from this new generation’s perspective, and listen to their hopes, dreams, ambitions and, most importantly, their ideas. It’s hardly as if those at the top, with decades of experience, have got all the answers to construction’s many and deep-rooted problems. Particularly at

this time of turbulence and change, we need people who challenge the “we’ve always done it that way” attitude that can take hold. 

“At this time of change, we need people who challenge the ‘we’ve always done it that way’ attitude that can take hold”

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