​The next generation driving change: why people are key to transforming infrastructure delivery

At a time when the UK is preparing for £530bn of investment through its 10-Year Infrastructure Strategy, the question isn’t just how we deliver more - it’s how we deliver better.

That’s the focus of Soben’s latest report, Transforming Infrastructure Delivery, which explores how the industry can accelerate change through collaboration, data, and digital innovation.

But perhaps most importantly, it highlights the role of people - the diverse skills, experiences, and perspectives needed to build the infrastructure of tomorrow.

Reimagining construction careers

I didn’t start out expecting to work in construction. Like many, I thought of it as a world of hard hats and concrete, not data, design, and digital delivery. But modern infrastructure projects now resemble high-tech manufacturing facilities - integrating 3D design, AI, sustainability metrics and complex stakeholder collaboration.

That’s what drew me to quantity surveying: the intersection of commercial insight, technology, and people. Today, as part of Soben, I work on projects that power communities - from data centres to renewables - where innovation and collaboration are essential to progress.

Bridging skills and opportunity

In the report, we talk about ‘casting the net wider’ - rethinking how we attract and develop the next generation of talent. That means broadening access, embracing different educational and professional backgrounds, and providing clear, supported career pathways.

It’s not just about filling skills gaps; it’s about building a more resilient, future-ready workforce. From hybrid working models to mentoring schemes, creating environments where people can thrive - rather than just survive - is key.

People power progress

Infrastructure transformation isn’t only about AI, BIM or carbon reduction targets - it’s about the people who make those ambitions real. Every innovation depends on human curiosity and collaboration.

As Building’s own initiatives like 40 Under 40 show, the next generation is ready to lead - we just need to give them the opportunity and support to do it.

Rachel Cunningham is a consultant at Soben part of Accenture, and was shortlisted for Building’s 40 Under 40 (2024) and Young Surveyor of the Year (2025)