CECA North East appoints support manager

The Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) North East has appointed Kate Barclay as business support manager, with an initial focus on helping the sector tackle its skills gap.

Kate, from Jarrow, joins following a career in finance and property management and brings experience across business support, office management, project coordination and stakeholder engagement.

A business administration graduate from the University of Sunderland, she will report to director and secretary Stuart Miller and support delivery of CECA North East’s annual business plan and strategic priorities.

Her initial remit will include working with the organisation’s Foundations Group, member companies and education and training providers to encourage more young people into civil engineering.

This will encompass apprenticeship, graduate and work experience opportunities, skills bootcamps and educational outreach.

Kate will also take responsibility for the CECA College Bursary Scheme and support the new groundworker Olympics during the 2026/27 academic year, alongside work to increase the supply of trained groundworkers.

Her wider responsibilities will include marketing and social media activity, events, training courses and member engagement initiatives.

Kate said: “This is an exciting time to join CECA North East, which is doing some really important work to support the civil engineering sector and its members.

“One of the things that attracted me to the role was the opportunity to work with schools, colleges, training providers and industry to help inspire the next generation. 

“By encouraging more young people to explore the wide range of careers available in civil engineering, we can help address the industry’s skills gap while creating opportunities that could shape their futures.”

CECA North East represents companies involved in delivering, upgrading and maintaining infrastructure, working with contractors, clients, education providers and industry partners to support the sector’s workforce and future project pipeline.

Stuart added: “Kate’s appointment reflects our commitment to supporting members and ensuring CECA North East continues to deliver real value across the region.

“As our programme of activity continues to grow, this role will strengthen our ability to develop new initiatives, support existing programmes and respond to some of the key opportunities and challenges facing the civil engineering sector.

“Kate brings valuable experience in business support, project coordination and stakeholder engagement, which will enhance the work we do on behalf of our members.”

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