Today (16 October 2024) at the Highways UK exhibition and conference in Birmingham, The Highways Sector Council (HSC) launched its innovative Ways of Life campaign developed to showcase the positive role highways play in our modern lives and the many opportunities there are for rewarding careers in the sector.
With the aim of motivating individuals to learn more about highways and consider joining the highways and transport sector in what is an exciting and important time for the sector.
Designed by early and mid-career professionals in order to accurately portray highways and transport work, the campaign challenges preconceived notions about the sector and celebrates the crucial part highways play in helping us live connected lives.
At its heart is an engaging video narrated by Mr Gee, spotlights the huge variety of trips that our highways enable, from public transport and commercial traffic to cycling and journeys by foot. These journeys remind us that highways touch every part of our lives and highlight how a career in highways and transport can contribute to a more sustainable society.
The Ways of Life campaign video is free for anyone to use to help attract and retain talent within the transport and highways industry.
It highlights the breadth of career options available with testimonies from three inspirational role models, Sharon Changula, Department for Transport, head of Bus Funding, Delivery, Public Transport and Local Group, Grace Prendergast, carbon analyst from FM Conway, and Shyam Ruparelia, senior civil engineer technician from Leicestershire County Council.
While also demonstrating the commitment to innovation, inclusion and social cohesion to make highways a career of choice. We encourage individuals to watch, share, unite and inspire.
“Our road network is made possible by a talented workforce, who are the foundation for delivering better, safer roads that connect businesses and communities, and grow our economy,” says Lilian Greenwood, minister for Future of Roads at the Department for Transport. “The future of our roads depends on a new generation to drive this work forward, which is why we have partnered with Highways Sector Council to launch its Ways of Life skills campaign.
“We hope this campaign will help bring more brilliant people into the workforce, to continue to deliver our world leading road infrastructure.”
“Developing the campaign has showcased public and private sector collaboration at its best, bringing together all corners of the highways and transport industry to enhance the sector’s image,” says Anna Delvecchio, founding member of the Highways Sector Council. “It’s vital that the sector continues to attract skilled talent now and, in the future, so we were proud to incorporate insights from various schools in order to understand how the Campaign can resonate with tomorrow’s workforce. I would like to thank everyone who has helped develop the Ways of Life campaign in partnership with the HSC.”
Elliot Shaw, National Highways chief customer and strategy officer, says: “Our motorways and major A roads are the backbone of modern life, connecting communities, supporting businesses, and enabling millions of journeys every day.
“This new campaign highlights not only the vital role highways play in keeping the country moving but also the exciting and rewarding careers that contribute to this essential work. From cutting-edge technology to environmental innovation, the future of our roads is brighter than ever, and we’re proud to be at the forefront of it. It’s fantastic to see the highways sector uniting to deliver this campaign.”
Scott Wardrop, founding member of the Highways Sector Council, adds: “The Highways Sector Council came together, with the active support of the Department of Transport, to create a unique forum across a very broad and vital highways sector, with a myriad of public and private sector bodies and roles.
“Our Countries’ mobility needs highways, despite often being the poor relation, the Ways of Life campaign underlines the hugely positive role that highways play in supporting modern lives, achieving policy goals to cut carbon and adopt more sustainable travel options. I am delighted at the way the sector has come together to engage with this initiative, particularly the energy and enthusiasm that our early and mid-career professionals have brought to bear, as reflected in the video.”
