Women Leading Innovation and Diversity in Construction: Catherine Storer’s Impact at ESS
Photo by Louise Houlden
The construction industry has long been perceived as a male-dominated sector, but professionals like Catherine Storer, Director of Essential Site Skills (ESS), are reshaping the narrative. From spearheading groundbreaking projects to advocating for diversity, Catherine’s journey is a testament to the power of leadership, innovation, and resilience.
“Women in Construction Are Driving Change”
Catherine has built her career on a foundation of passion and purpose. Reflecting on her journey, she says:
“Construction is an industry with immense potential, but it’s also one where barriers—whether technological, cultural, or systemic—can hold us back. I’ve always been motivated to challenge those barriers and create opportunities, especially for those who might not traditionally see themselves as part of this field.”
Through her work at ESS, Catherine has championed initiatives aimed at addressing skills shortages, promoting inclusivity, and modernising how training is delivered within the sector.
Pioneering Innovation with the Essential Training Hub
One of Catherine’s most notable achievements has been the launch of the Essential Training Hub, a revolutionary platform connecting training providers with learners. Designed to streamline the process of finding and booking training courses, the Hub has set a new standard for efficiency and collaboration in the industry.
“We didn’t want to create just another platform; we wanted to solve real problems. The Essential Training Hub is about making training accessible, simplifying communication between providers and learners, and ensuring that businesses and individuals can find the courses they need without unnecessary hassle,” she explains.
The platform’s success lies in its innovative approach. By integrating multiple systems and offering a user-friendly experience, it has transformed how training providers operate and how learners access opportunities.
Breaking Stereotypes: Advocating for Women in Construction
Beyond her professional achievements, Catherine’s career spans more than 20 years in education, construction, and allied industries. Throughout this time, she has built a long-standing reputation as a leader who understands the complexities of the sector and embraces technology as a tool for innovation in training and development.
“Diversity isn’t just a box-ticking exercise; it’s a necessity for growth. When we bring in new perspectives—whether through more women joining the industry or through innovative projects like the Training Hub—we drive real change. Construction becomes more adaptive, resilient, and forward-thinking,” Catherine explains.
Her extensive experience and respected network position Catherine as a vocal advocate for diversity and innovation. By addressing skills shortages and leveraging technology to enhance education and training delivery, she continues to break down barriers and inspire progress.
Leadership and Recognition
Under Catherine’s leadership, ESS has grown into one of the UK’s leading training providers, offering a wide range of courses to support both individuals and businesses. Her work has earned her nominations for prestigious awards, including Business Woman of the Year and the Business Owner Award at the Women in Construction Awards.
“Recognition is always humbling, but it’s not about the awards. It’s about the impact we can make—on individuals, businesses, and the industry as a whole. If our work inspires even one person to pursue a career in construction or to innovate within their own role, that’s the real reward,” she shares.
Looking Ahead
Catherine remains focused on driving innovation and inclusivity in construction. For her, the journey is far from over:
“The industry is evolving, but there’s so much more to do. Technology is opening doors we never thought possible, and diversity is reshaping how we approach challenges. At ESS, we’re committed to staying at the forefront of these changes and continuing to push boundaries.”
The Essential Training Hub is just one example of how Catherine and her team are redefining what’s possible in construction training. By combining her expertise with a clear vision for the future, Catherine is ensuring that ESS remains a leader in the industry—and a beacon of progress for others to follow.
