In the High Flyers spotlight this week is Barry Neilson, chief executive of the Construction Industry Training Board NI (CITB NI).
The organisation is taking part in Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Week (April 26-30) with a series of virtual events highlighting the importance of apprenticeships in the construction industry.
What was your first job?
Apprentice draughtsman in a civil engineering consultancy in Glasgow.
What qualifications do you have?
ONC/HNC in civil engineering and a degree in civil engineering.
What do you attribute your success to?
In my early years, I was lucky enough to work with an employer and individuals who took an interest in my training & development while I was an apprentice. They encouraged me to develop skills and competencies in parallel with putting my learning into practice. I have always had an enquiring attitude and love to learn from others.
How would you describe yourself to someone who’d never met you?
Open and accepting of people’s strengths and weaknesses. Someone who enjoys working with others and getting things done.
Who do you look up to in business?
I have learned a great deal from others, but they aren’t always industry leaders, sometimes you can learn much more from listening to those closer to the workface.
How do you get the best out of people who work for you?
By valuing the contribution each of them makes to the whole business, in their own way. I strongly believe that if you treat people with respect, no matter what their role is, they will respond by delivering that role as best they can. Also, you must listen to all around you and take account of alternative views.
You don’t need to agree and it’s important to follow your own decisions, but you should never be blind to other viewpoints.
If you could change one thing about doing business in Northern Ireland, what would it be?
I would encourage businesses, especially the construction industry, to consider employing more apprentices. During 2021 Apprenticeship Week and through CITB NI campaigns such as Apprenticeship Connect NI employers can discover the range of benefits this can bring to their business including funding support.
Offering apprenticeships provides businesses with the opportunity to play an active role in creating their future workforce and developing future skills they need to help grow their business.
What website or app could you not do without?
I couldn’t do without Amazon or BBC, and of course the CITB NI (wwww.citbni.org.uk) website. We have just updated the careers section of our website. Lots of great guidance and signposting to anyone interested or working in the construction industry especially anyone considering an apprenticeship.
What was the last book you read?
During lockdown I read 'The Rules of Contagion' by Adam Kucharski! I’m currently reading 'Runaway' by Peter May.
What car do you drive?
A Volvo V60
Tell us something interesting about yourself?
I like to do something unusual every couple of years. Four years ago I decided to do a charity event, cycling from Newcastle upon Tyne to London in 24 hours. I didn’t quite make it in the 24 hours, but I got there and raised over £1,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.
What’s your greatest passion outside work and family?
Rugby, and in particular Edinburgh Rugby and Scotland. Recently my allegiance is tested and I’m (almost) equally as passionate for Ulster and Ireland rugby, except when they’re playing Scottish teams!
