Catherine Storer, Director of Essential Site Skills (ESS), is challenging the traditional gender norms of the construction industry. As a trailblazer in education and training, her work is not only addressing the sector’s ongoing skills shortages but also advocating for greater inclusivity and diversity within the industry.
With more than 20 years of experience in construction, education, and allied industries, Catherine’s approach has focused on breaking down the barriers—technological, cultural, and systemic—that have traditionally held back progress. Reflecting on her career, Catherine notes, “Construction is an industry with immense potential, but it’s also one where barriers can hold us back. I’ve always been motivated to challenge those barriers and create opportunities, especially for those who might not traditionally see themselves as part of this field.”
At ESS, Catherine has led initiatives that are reshaping how training is delivered, bringing new opportunities to both learners and businesses. One of her most notable achievements has been the launch of the Essential Training Hub, a platform designed to connect training providers with learners more efficiently.
The Essential Training Hub simplifies the process of finding and booking training courses, streamlining communication between learners and training providers. “We didn’t want to create just another platform; we wanted to solve real problems,” Catherine explains. “The Hub is about making training more accessible and ensuring that businesses and individuals can find the courses they need with minimal hassle.”
The platform’s success is attributed to its innovative integration of multiple systems and its user-friendly interface, which has revolutionised how training providers operate and how learners access career development opportunities.
Beyond her work with ESS, Catherine is also a strong advocate for diversity in construction, especially for women. She believes that bringing new perspectives into the industry is vital for growth. “Diversity isn’t just a box-ticking exercise; it’s a necessity for growth,” Catherine says. “When we bring in more women and innovative projects like the Training Hub, we drive real change. Construction becomes more adaptive, resilient, and forward-thinking.”
Her leadership at ESS has earned her recognition as a top innovator in the industry, earning nominations for prestigious awards, including Business Woman of the Year and the Business Owner Award at the Women in Construction Awards.
However, Catherine remains focused on the bigger picture. “Recognition is always humbling, but it’s not about the awards. It’s about the impact we can make—on individuals, businesses, and the industry as a whole,” she says. For her, the real reward lies in inspiring others to pursue careers in construction and innovate within their own roles.
Looking ahead, Catherine is committed to continuing her work at the forefront of innovation and inclusivity within construction. “Technology is opening doors we never thought possible, and diversity is reshaping how we approach challenges,” she says. “At ESS, we’re committed to pushing boundaries and ensuring the future of construction remains as dynamic and inclusive as possible.”
With her leadership, ESS is set to continue its role as a pioneer in training for the construction sector, offering a model of progress for others to follow.
