Generation For Change South West - ~Constructing the Future

Generation For Change South West - ~Constructing the Future

By Generation For ChangeBusinessTechnologyEducation
Download on the App Store

Generation For Change South West - ~Constructing the Future episodes

  • 30: Resilient, Innovative and Essential. Lois Putnam & Toby Tompkins talk Construction Law & Career Pathways
    In this episode of Generating for Change, Jenna Smith, Chair of G4C Cornwall, speaks with Lois Putnam, an Associate solicitor in the Construction Team at Ashfords LLP, and Toby Tompkins, Talent Attraction Manager at Ashfords LLP. They explore the diverse career pathways within construction and engineering, with a particular focus on construction law, apprenticeships, work experience, internships, and early-career opportunities. Lois shares her journey into construction law and what life is like as a solicitor, while Toby discusses how Ashfords supports the next generation of talent through training and development opportunities. They also explore some of the key challenges facing the industry, including skills shortages, rising material costs and advances in AI, before discussing how the sector is embracing innovation and attracting new talent. Their final verdict? Construction and engineering is resilient, innovative and essential.
    16 min
  • 29: Insight into Construction Law with Millie Lockyer & Nathan Gessey

    Generation for Change South West – Constructing the Future

    Join us as we explore careers in the Built Environment, focusing on construction law. Hear from Trowers & Hamlins' Early Talent team on the pathways to qualification and opportunities available to aspiring solicitors, alongside insights from a trainee solicitor and a newly qualified associate on their journeys into the profession and what a typical day looks like for them as a junior solicitor.

    Listeners will gain insight into the different pathways to qualification, including traditional and alternative routes. This episode also covers the difference between contentious and non-contentious construction law, the realities of working in the legal construction sector, and offers practical advice for anyone considering a career in construction law.

    30 min
  • 28: Building Better Minds

    G4C Podcast: Building Better Minds

    In this episode of the G4C Podcast, Dylan Bishop is joined by Rob Murray from New Pangea to explore mental health and wellbeing in the construction industry.


    Drawing on Rob’s experience in policing, his Atlantic rowing challenge and his work with organisations across the UK, the conversation looks at the pressures facing construction professionals, the importance of resilience and vulnerability, and how businesses can move beyond awareness to create healthier workplace cultures.


    The discussion also explores the role of leadership, how we can better support colleagues and young professionals, and why looking after people is fundamental to building a stronger, more sustainable industry.


    A huge thank you to Rob for sharing his experiences, insights and perspective, and for helping to make this such an open and important conversation.


    Content warning: This episode discusses mental health, stress and suicide. Please take care while listening if these topics may be difficult for you.

    48 min
  • 27: Senior Architect Tatiana Vela from Atkins Realis
    We’re excited to share our latest G4C Cornwall podcast episode, where Jonathan Rees from Baileys interviewed Tatiana Vela, Senior Architect at Atkins Realis based in London. Tatiana shares her journey to becoming a Senior Project Architect in her recent new position at Atkins Realis, explaining her passion for art and 3D modelling and how her passions have grown in architecture. The podcast gives students and early-career professionals practical insight into real-world roles, highlights the skills required, and inspires the next generation to explore diverse and exciting career pathways in the industry.
     
    Thank you to Tatiana for such an insightful discussion.
    59 min
  • 26: The Journey from Management Trainee to Pre Construction Director
    The theme of this episode is the journey from Management Trainee to Pre Construction Director – listen as we discuss with Phil Barnes regarding his career, how he got into construction, the management trainee scheme, leadership styles, knowing when to stop ‘doing’ and start ‘leading’ and pivotal transitions throughout his career.
    25 min
  • 24: AI In Construction
    At minute 34:31, I mention “Autodesk pushing restrictions for AI training on data produced with their software.” This was based on an October 2025 article in AEC Magazine that mistakenly suggested Autodesk had recently changed its EULA to restrict AI usage. Autodesk has since clarified that the clause in question dates back to 2018 and was intended only to prevent AI/ML technologies from reverse‑engineering Autodesk’s IP or cloning product functionalities — a common protection in the software industry. Importantly, it does not restrict users from training AI models on their own content, nor does it give Autodesk ownership of user data. In short, Autodesk data remains safe to use for AI training, unlike what I originally stated.
    38 min
  • 21: The Future of Contracting with Speller Metcalfe
    Amber Knott and Will Freer of the G4C Bristol Committee interview Adrian and James Speller joint Managing Directors of Speller Metcalfe. This podcast looks into the future of Contracting, covering upcoming changes to procurement, technology and the future workforce. 
    39 min

About Generation For Change South West - ~Constructing the Future

From the publisher's feed

A podcast brought to you by G4CSW part of the Constructing Excellence Group.