Cheryl Loak, Managing Director of TUTS (UK) Limited, proudly champions women in construction, inspiring and educating the next generation.
Cheryl Loak, Managing Director of TUTS (UK) Limited, is a proud Women in Construction (WIC) Ambassador. With a deep passion for inspiring the next generation, Cheryl is committed to transforming perceptions of the construction industry and showcasing the vast array of career opportunities available within it. Her goal is not only to encourage more women to consider construction as a viable career path but also to educate young people on the diverse roles that exist beyond the traditional trades of electricians, painters, decorators, and bricklayers.
The construction industry is facing a significant challenge: by 2028, an additional 251,000 workers will be needed to meet demand, yet the average construction worker is currently 56 years old. Without a concerted effort to attract new talent, the industry could find itself in a dire situation within the next decade. Cheryl sees this as a call to action and is determined to make a difference.
Through her involvement with WIC, Cheryl is dedicated to exposing young people to the broader spectrum of careers in construction. Too often, students have a narrow view of the industry, limiting their aspirations to a handful of well-known trades. Cheryl’s mission is to change this by providing opportunities for students to visit construction sites and witness firsthand the wide range of roles available, from project management and engineering to sustainability and innovation.
Cheryl’s work as a WIC Ambassador goes beyond advocacy; it’s about hands-on engagement. When she hosts WIC events and brings schoolchildren to construction sites, the results are transformative. Students are often surprised to discover the complexity and excitement of the construction industry, with many gaining a newfound interest in the field. However, Cheryl recognises that this impact must extend beyond the site visits.
One of the key challenges she identifies is the lack of understanding, skills, and knowledge among career leads in schools. These educators play a crucial role in shaping students’ perceptions of potential career paths, yet many are not fully equipped to guide students towards opportunities in construction. Cheryl is working to bridge this gap by providing the necessary resources and support to career leads, enabling them to better inform and inspire their students about the diverse possibilities within the industry.
Cheryl is also acutely aware of the shifting priorities within the academic world. There is a growing recognition that university is not the only pathway to success, and schools are beginning to place greater emphasis on vocational training and apprenticeships. Cheryl sees this as a positive development and an opportunity to reframe construction as a desirable career choice. By being a visible and active role model in her community, she hopes to create excitement and generate interest in construction among young people, particularly young women.
Cheryl Loak is a firm believer in the unique value that women bring to the construction industry. She advocates for a harmonious workforce where both men and women collaborate to improve working conditions and drive innovation. Her aim is not to undermine the contributions of men, but to highlight the strengths that women bring to the table, from enhanced communication skills to innovative problem-solving approaches.
The construction industry is traditionally male-dominated, but Cheryl believes that by fostering a more inclusive environment, the sector can benefit from a broader range of perspectives. This, in turn, can lead to more creative solutions and a more dynamic workplace culture. Cheryl’s work as a WIC Ambassador is focused on breaking down barriers and ensuring that women feel welcome and supported in pursuing careers in construction.
Cheryl’s efforts are part of a broader movement towards greater gender diversity in the construction industry. In recent years, the UK has seen a significant increase in the number of women entering the field, with women now making up 15.8% of the construction workforce – a 3.2% increase since the pre-pandemic era. While these numbers are promising, challenges remain, including lingering stereotypes, limited mentorship opportunities, and workplace culture issues.
However, the industry is making strides to address these challenges. Diversity and inclusion programs, mentorship opportunities, educational outreach, and equal pay advocacy are all contributing to a more welcoming environment for women in construction. Cheryl’s work as a WIC Ambassador is helping to sustain this momentum, ensuring that the industry continues to evolve in a positive direction.
As a Women in Construction Ambassador, Cheryl is committed to inspiring, educating, and empowering the next generation of construction professionals. Her work is vital to addressing the workforce challenges facing the industry and ensuring that construction remains a vibrant and innovative sector. By shining a light on the diverse career opportunities available in construction and championing the value of women in the workforce, Cheryl is helping to build a brighter future for the industry.
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