BSRIA welcomes new Technical Director, Colin Goodwin, into its distinguished list of staff. Colin has had an extensive and enviable career in the building services design and engineering sector with particular interest in innovative building maintenance. He joins BSRIA from Mitie where he was previously appointed as Technical Director and part of the Dalkia leadership team. He graduated with a BEng (Hons) in Energy Engineering and gained a Chartership in Engineering. He is a fellow of CIBSE, member of ASHRAE, Liveryman in the Worshipful Company of Engineers and a registered Eurlng.
In his role as Technical Director, Colin will steer the technical direction and focus of BSRIA, both new and in the future, and will provide top level technical, engineering and professional making decision making. The role also encompasses managing BSRIA technical input to regulatory, legislative and parliamentary activity including energy policies and building regulations.
Colin was delighted to hold an interview with Clair Prosser, BSRIA’s very own press officer.
What do you love about the construction industry?
My love of working in the construction industry has been its blend of engineering, both commercial and output: to create buildings for us to live, work and play in. It’s been interesting, challenging and rewarding! I especially love the technology aspect, in both the process of building and the buildings themselves and find this interesting and engaging. The Global energy and commerce cannot exist without it.
What’s the biggest challenge industry needs to address to make it the industry of choice in the next 30 years?
The construction industry has many challenges to fulfil the vision of the next 30 years! Recruitment of the right talent into the industry is key. How we develop and invest in them so that they can be the professionals, technologists and artisans of the future is a top priority! It’s such an important task for us to take on – diversity must be factored in to make it inclusive and sustainable in attracting the right talent. It focuses on appealing to tomorrow’s workforce and them being both proud and communicative of our industry – and importantly they need to be telling their best friends and peers!
What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in the industry over the years?
When I started out in my career there was no IT in education, design or process. We were using slide rules. I have lived through the I.T. revolution in business and in my personal life. I perceive that the next revolution is that of A.I. and how that will change our business landscape and our ways of working and living.
Also, there weren’t enough apprentices when I joined the industry with a lack of relevant skills. We need to encourage potential construction employees so much more, revisit former successes of apprenticeships, innovate and improve. We must invest in our current workforce, attract career changers and inspire future generations to join our industry. BSRIA is actively engaged with its INSPIRE project which works with local schools, national and local politicians and the media to promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) and alter its perceptions.
What’s your greatest achievement?
Helping others flourish in their careers. Championing and finding opportunities for the next generation to unleash their potential.
What’s the most interesting aspect thus far of your time at BSRIA?
The breadth, scope and involvement in the construction industry in which BSRIA works and especially the advice and service BSRIA offers. The power it can harness from its membership is limitless. There is an incredible level of intellect, knowledge and skills within its staff. Such leverage and influence puts BSRIA in a fantastic position for decades to come.