Today, the Minister for Roads Lillian Greenwood MP launched the Highways Sector Councils 'Ways of Life' Campaign.  This campaign has been developed to showcase the positive role highways play in people’s modern lives and the many opportunities there are for rewarding careers in the sector. 

Designed by early and mid-career professionals to accurately portray highways and transport work, the campaign challenges preconceived notions about the sector and celebrates the crucial part highways play in helping people to live connected lives.

The campaign features several promotional videos with the aim of motivating individuals to learn more about highways and consider joining the highways and transport sector in what is an exciting and important time. 

Lillian Greenwood MP, Minister for Future of Roads with CIHT Chief Executive Sue Percy CBE

Lilian Greenwood, Minister for Future of Roads at the Department for Transport, said:

“Our road network is made possible by a talented workforce, who are the foundation for delivering better, safer roads that connect businesses and communities, and grow our economy.

“The future of our roads depends on a new generation to drive this work forward, which is why we have partnered with Highways Sector Council to launch its ‘Ways of Life’ skills campaign.

“We hope this campaign will help bring more brilliant people into the workforce, to continue to deliver our world leading road infrastructure.”

Sue Percy CBE, Chief Executive, CIHT said:

“CIHT is pleased to be a founding member of the Highways Sector Council. We are committed to working as part of the Council to support the transformation of the highways sector through coming together in partnership to help address some key challenges. This campaign is a great free resource for all of us across the sector to use to promote some of the fantastic opportunities available to those working in highways. “

Notes to Editors: 

For press or general enquiries for the HSC Council please contact the press office on isabelle.deviggiani@grayling.com. 

About the Highways Sector Council: 

The Highways Sector Council (HSC) is a partnership of private and public sector organisations. Partners include the UK’s leading highways suppliers, local authority bodies and national agencies. 

The Council has been created to help transform delivery in the highways sector, using a unified voice and approach so the industry can work in greater partnership with central and local government. It aims to drive innovation across the sector to deliver economic, environmental, and social benefits for business, communities, and all road users. Its work has been focused on developing a collaborative approach to transform and improve how the sector works across several key areas: people and skills, innovation, safety, environment, value, investment, and delivery models. 

The new campaign responds to the insights from the recent HSC Skills Report, published in November 2022. 

The HSC's recent Highway Survey revealed that 28% of respondents cited making a difference to people and communities as one of the best things about working in the sector. 

Furthermore, 92% of Gen Z place significant importance on the ‘values and purpose’ of the organisation they choose to work for, reflecting a shift in career motivations toward impact-driven roles. The report identified key areas for improvement and growth within the industry, including: 

Recognising that the disparate nature of the Highways and Transport sector was holding it back and developed detailed research into the opportunities and the challenges of working in the industry. Highlighting need for the sector to recognise the importance of young people and mid-career professionals in building a mission-critical skills base. 

Revealing the aspects of the sector that early career professionals valued and recognise and identified that positive social/environmental are motivation for these individuals. 

Ways of Life Campaign can be found here: 
Ways of Life Campaign Hero Video 

Role model videos can be found here: 
Grace Prendergast, Carbon Analyst from FM Conway 
Sharon Changula, Department for Transport - Head of Bus Funding 
Shyam Ruparelia, Senior Civil Engineer Technician from Leicestershire County Council