You are currently reading Issue 190: Women in Construction, November 2024
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Connecting women and opportunity

Womanthology is a digital magazine and professional community powered by female energy and ingenuity.

Connecting women and opportunity

Womanthology is a digital magazine and professional community powered by female energy and ingenuity.

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Encouraging women to join the construction revolution by shaping the future with hands-on experience in transport

Vivian Orogun, Network Control Centre Operator at Kier Transportation

Vivian Orogun - Kier Transportation

Vivian Orogun is a network control centre operator at Kier Transportation, with a career journey spanning retail management, healthcare, public service, technology, and transportation. Having participated in the Women into Transport and Engineering (WiTnE) programme, Vivian brings a problem-solving mindset and a passion for breaking down barriers in traditionally male-dominated industries. She is dedicated to encouraging more women, particularly from diverse backgrounds, to pursue STEM careers.

Vivian Orogun - Kier Transportation
Vivian Orogun

“Transportation is evolving rapidly, and it’s important that we create space for women and diverse perspectives to shape its future.”

Steering towards a new future in transportation

I’ve always had career aspirations. When I was young, my dream role was to become an HR manager, but I went into retail management. Retail became my focus, and I thrived in it. I loved it and stayed with my company for about 14 years, and during that time I did many roles — everything from team leader to training manager.

After a career break, I decided it was time to try something new. I wanted to restart my career but didn’t want to return to retail management, so I decided to explore getting into the technology, transportation, or construction industry, without having to return to university.

Discovering the right placement through WiTnE

It was important to me that I found the right organisation to start this new journey. I knew that I wanted to join a company with a good record of developing its people within. I was then introduced to this placement through the Women into Transportation and Engineering (WiTnE) programme, organised by Transport for London.

Through WiTnE, I secured a placement with the London Control Centre Team at Blackwall, where I gained practical experience and insights into the transportation industry. I did my placement with the London Control Centre Team at Blackwall which I really enjoyed. It involved processing live defects and allocating them to the relevant teams to carry out the repairs.

From the very beginning, I felt supported. I was given an induction and laptop to work with from day one, which made me confident that I had the tools I needed to get value from this placement.

The value of work-life balance and career development in expanding horizons

One of the most rewarding aspects of the placement was meeting the people I could potentially work with and hearing their stories. My key highlight was meeting my potential teammates and hearing them share their experiences. Many of them spoke about the company’s effort to train and develop them, as well as the benefits they receive and how they have a good work-life balance.

Collaborating with different teams opened my eyes about the different roles available within the transportation and construction industry.

The advice and mentorship I received during the programme were invaluable too. In conversation with Lina [Shari], who also joined the team as a workflow coordinator after taking part in the WiTnE programme in 2022, I learnt about her personal and career development since joining TKJV (a joint venture between Tarmac and Kier) and how they invest in their people.

Finding fulfilment in a fast-paced role that keeps me on my toes

My work today as a network control centre operator involves responding to requests from our client, Transport for London, whether it’s handling road traffic collisions, repairing damage to street furniture, or addressing requests from the police or public. It’s a fast-paced role that keeps me on my toes, and I love the variety.

Cranes and construction against a bright skylineThe experience has been transformative, changing my perspective on what I could achieve in a traditionally male-dominated sector. On this programme, not only have I had the chance to use the skills I had gained in the past, but I have acquired new skills and I am confident that this is just the beginning.

Advice for others

For anyone considering a similar placement or career shift, I say go for it. This has been a wonderful experience. Such experiences could lead you to a worthwhile career. As I look to the future, I’m excited to continue learning, growing, and sharing my journey to encourage others. The transport and construction sectors offer immense opportunities, and I’m proud to be a part of this evolving industry.

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