Constructing Excellence North East (CENE) has appointed Rebecca Storey, sector skills facilitator at the North East Combined Authority, as the new chair of its People Group.
Rebecca takes over from Darush Dodds, director of corporate affairs and social value at Esh Group, bringing almost a decade of working in partnership with the construction sector in the region.
In her current role, she works across key and emerging sectors to identify existing and future skills needs, supporting industry to effectively engage with education providers.
She has been involved with CENE for around five years and has served as a member of the People Group for the past year. Her previous role as business engagement manager at Education Partnership North East focused on construction sector engagement, SME support and apprenticeship recruitment.
The People Group, launched in 2021, brings together industry professionals who are passionate about creating a more inclusive and sustainable construction sector. It leads key regional initiatives including the Wonder Challenge, the All In Conference and supports the Digital Ambassadors programme. It also works closely with education providers to ensure young people are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the industry.
Rebecca, said: “The People Group is already making a big difference across the region and one of my key aims, as chair, is to ensure we remain responsive to the needs of the sector. The Skills England: Sector Skills Needs Assessment showed that more than 52% of construction vacancies are hard to fill due to a lack of skills, qualifications and experience. Yet our region’s colleges, universities and training providers are training a huge number of young people each year who want to join the sector. The group can play a vital role in connecting these learners with the opportunities that exist, including work in areas of sustainable industry, which we champion at the North East Combined Authority.
“Another priority for me is to continue the group’s work around diversity and inclusion. In 2024, women made up just 15% of the construction workforce and the onsite homebuilding workforce was 96% male. The People Group already does fantastic work in this space and I hope to expand on that with new and innovative ways to promote the sector to a wider and more diverse talent pool.
“As a regional skills facilitator, I work across multiple sectors including offshore wind, cyber security and advanced manufacturing, so I’m well placed to bring in cross-sector learning and ideas. I’m looking forward to working with members of the group to keep building on the progress already made and develop new initiatives shaped by member feedback and regional data.”
Catriona Lingwood, chief executive of Constructing Excellence in the North East, said: “Rebecca brings energy, expertise and a deep understanding of the skills landscape in our region. Her extensive experience working across key sectors will be invaluable as the group continues to tackle skills shortages and promote diversity and inclusion in construction.
“I would also like to thank Darush for his excellent leadership and commitment during his time as chair. His dedication helped to strengthen the group’s impact and engagement across the North East. Going forward, Rebecca’s leadership will ensure the People Group continues to support both the construction workforce of today and the next generation of talent, driving forward positive change in the industry.”