Joanne Treacy is Director of Southern and Eastern Regions with the Construction Industry Federation
With over two decades of industry experience, Joanne Treacy has led on member initiatives regionally within the southern and eastern regions on behalf of the Construction Industry Federation.
With a vast knowledge in health and safety, HR and HSQE auditing spanning engineering and construction sectors, the Cork woman will MC this year’s CIF International Women’s Day Summit on March 7.
Tell us about your first job in the industry?
My entry to the industry was a little accidental. I had recently returned from a year away and with that came a realisation I wanted a career change. My first role was only supposed to be a temporary role working with project engineers and the safety team on a large pharmaceutical expansion project in Cork.
To say I was fascinated by the process from design to build is an understatement! From there I gathered experience and qualifications in safety, project management, quality management systems and ultimately human resources and leadership.
Best advice you’ve received to date?
I have been lucky to have been offered some amazing opportunities over the last 20 years throughout my journey into and through the construction industry.
However, I would have to say that the best advice was from my mum who always told me to believe in myself and believe that I could do and be anything I put my mind to – something that I still remind myself of when the imposter syndrome creeps in!
Your advice to women considering a career in the construction sector?
Follow your passion! I think the most important thing to remember when choosing a career is that there is always a route or pathway to achieve your goals, that applies to both men and women.
I would impress upon anyone asking about a career in the construction industry that it is extremely rewarding, it offers variety and skills that are transferable within the industry and abroad.
There is something very exciting about being part of development and growth, witnessing projects of all scales go from just ideas to projects which result in positive changes for our communities and regions – be they roads, transport networks, bridges, schools, hospitals, housing developments, commercial buildings and multi-national manufacturing facilities to mention a few.
Construction is an industry that is part of developing our future and how we live, and we need both men and women contributing to that development.
What’s the biggest change you think would benefit the industry?
I would love to see more construction related subjects being offered to girls in second level education. We are diluting our workforce before our next generation of females even enter third-level by simply not offering the same subject choices and career options at second level.
STEM careers have been encouraged over the last decade or more with an emphasis on promoting these careers at second level but up to now, construction related careers have been omitted from that space. This needs to change.
What did you learn from your biggest mistake?
Don’t settle and believe in my gut. We can allow ourselves to be guided by external narratives but ultimately we are our own best advisors if we listen to our gut. I am guilty of being afraid to push myself outside my comfort zone but this job has taught me to keep pushing and challenging myself.
I have learned that it is never too late to change and look to improve ourselves whether that is career wise or personally, or both, we should never stop trying to evolve, grow and learn.
Proudest moment to date?
Allowing myself to be proud of where I am at, that has been my biggest accomplishment.
How does your company support equality and diversity?
CIF is a strong advocate for equality and diversity and continues to adapt and educate. We have an active ESG department and committee tasked with researching and informing our teams.
One of the company’s most successful events is International Women’s Day with an anticipated attendance of in excess of 500 people this year. What makes CIF a successful supporter of equality and diversity is its openness and desire to learn more and be better.
What’s your passion when you’re not at work?
To risk sounding like a cliché it would have to be spending time with friends, family and my little four legged buddy, Freddie! There is nothing like wrapping up on a crisp sunny day and heading off on a lovely long walk with Freddie and finishing the day with a delicious meal and good company.
