Campaign Wrap-up September 2025
Over the past few months, CECA Scotland’s Inside the Job campaign has taken us behind the scenes of civil engineering contracting — spotlighting the people, skills, and stories that shape Scotland’s infrastructure.
From myth-busting graphics and Q&As to powerful video interviews and carousel posts, the campaign has challenged outdated perceptions and revealed the true diversity of roles within the sector.
We’ve met professionals like Isla Hill, Juliet Mallace, Sophie Gray, and Steven Deans — each offering a unique perspective on what it means to work in civil engineering today.
Whether it’s tendering for major projects, mentoring apprentices, or repairing heavy machinery, their insights have shown that civil engineering contracting is far more than just building, it’s about planning, innovating, and solving complex challenges with creativity and collaboration.
As we wrap up Inside the Job, we invite you to revisit the full campaign and explore how civil engineering is not only shaping Scotland’s future, but also offering exciting, inclusive career paths for the next generation.
Meet Isla Hill, Regional Big Manager at BAM
Ever wondered how civil engineering projects get off the ground? Isla Hill takes us behind the scenes of the tendering process, from direct approaches to government portals, showing the many ways work comes into the business.
As a Regional Bid Manager, no two days are ever the same. From site visits to environmental assessments and championing diversity and inclusion, she plays a key role in shaping who delivers each project.
Her advice to anyone thinking about a career in civil engineering?
“Be curious and energetic. This industry is so focused on training and development — if you come in with drive and enthusiasm, all the support mechanisms are there to help you achieve your full potential.”
Q&A with Juliet Mallace, Education Consultant CECA Scotland Academy
As part of CECA Scotland’s Inside the Job campaign, Juliet Mallace offers a behind-the scenes look at her role as an education consultant in the civil engineering sector.
With a background that spans architecture, further education, and now leading the CECA Scotland Academy, Juliet is helping to close the gap between learning and employment.
From launching training programmes in prisons to achieving a 68% positive destination rate, her work is creating real opportunities and shaping a more inclusive, future-ready workforce.
Five ways in which Civil Engineering shapes your everyday life
Civil engineering underpins almost every aspect of daily life in Scotland — from the roads and bridges we rely on, to the flood defences protecting our communities and the infrastructure enabling the transition to net zero.
But the reality of the industry is often misunderstood. Civil engineers don’t just build — they design, plan, manage, and innovate. They work with digital tools, drones, and sustainable materials to solve complex challenges across both urban and rural Scotland.
It’s a sector that needs a wide range of skills — from technical and analytical to creative and collaborative — and offers multiple entry points, including apprenticeships, college courses, graduate schemes, and on-the-job training.
Explore what civil engineering really involves — and how it’s shaping Scotland’s future.
Q&A with Steven Deans, Managing Director of Deans Civil Engineering
As part of CECA Scotland’s Inside the Job campaign, Steven Deans gives us an inside look at what it takes to lead a civil engineering firm in Scotland today.
As Managing Director of Deans Civil Engineering, Steven balances commercial strategy, project delivery, and team development - driving growth while staying hands-on across the business.
His commitment to mentoring young professionals and fostering a collaborative, in-person working culture is central to the company’s success.
With a forward-thinking approach that embraces technologies like drones, GPS machinery, and AI, Steven is helping shape a modern, resilient civil engineering sector.
Mythbusting Civil Engineering
“Civil engineering is just digging holes”
– not even close.
From project management and environmental planning to design, innovation, and digital technology, civil engineering contracting is a diverse and dynamic industry.
As part of our Inside the Job campaign, we’re challenging outdated perceptions and showcasing the reality of a modern, inclusive sector that’s engineering Scotland’s future.
“It’s a man’s job” is a myth.
Civil engineering is for everyone.
From apprenticeships to site management and design, people of all backgrounds are building Scotland’s future.
As part of CECA Scotland’s Inside the Job campaign, we’re challenging outdated perceptions and showcasing the reality of a modern, inclusive industry.
Meet Sophie Gray, Plant Mechanic at George Leslie
Sophie is responsible for servicing, maintaining, and repairing a range of machinery, including dumpers, compressors, and rollers.
Her career began with a four-year apprenticeship, combining practical experience with college-based learning.
Working in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Sophie notes:
“There are still people who don’t understand that females can do these roles, but it shouldn’t put anyone off.”
Sophie’s career demonstrates the opportunities available through apprenticeships and the valuable contribution women make to civil engineering contracting.
Keep an eye on our socials to find out more and to follow our future campaigns:
Marketing strategy 2025
CECA Scotland’s 2025 Industry marketing strategy is designed to strengthen the future of civil engineering by:
