Day in the Life: Ciara Coleman - Labour Manager - HS2

Meet Ciara - our Labour Manager for HS2!

How long have you been in the infrastructure industry? And McGinley?

I have been in the Construction Industry for approximately 3 years. After leaving University I worked as a Compliance Manager for a Construction and Rail company. Following this, I changed industries and worked as a Placement Co-Ordinator in the education sector for 6 months, but missed the dynamic and fast-paced nature of the construction industry. So I took the opportunity to return to the industry with McGinley in March 2022.

 

Tell us more about your role.  

My role is predominantly based in our HS2 Euston site office. As we are part of a Joint Labour desk with two other suppliers on this project, it is my responsibility to be the point of contact for our ‘joint’ client and workforce in the area.

This can cover a number of topics such as client interaction; understanding current and future Labour requirements to ensure we are providing efficient delivery, workforce site support; providing training sessions or toolbox talks, upskilling, PPE management, holiday or pay queries. I then liaise with my counterparts to discuss any issues and devise solutions.

For McGinley workers, I am the main contact from the get-go. So, I vet all potential candidates for the roles they applied for, checking their competencies and experience, and organising their HS2 site induction.

The best part of my role is getting to take part in Senior Management Engagement Tours several times a month. This is where I get to wear my full PPE and visit various HS2 sites across London to understand the context of the work being carried out and speak to clients and workers about any praise, concerns or recommendations.

 

What led you to join the infrastructure industry?

After graduating from University, I wanted to peruse a career that provided the opportunity to work with people and develop my communication skills. I was also keen to enter a dynamic and fast-paced industry which I felt the infrastructure industry offered.

 

What career advice would you give to your younger self?

I would tell myself to be patient when joining a new role - you are not expected to know everything at once. I would remind myself it is important to seek assistance from experienced colleagues initially to understand how various processes work.

The infrastructure industry has excellent opportunities for career progression and growth. An example of this is that within 6 months of joining McGinley - I received a promotion from a Labour Coordinator Role to a Labour Manager role. So come join us and see what you can achieve.