At Vascroft, we believe a building is only ever as strong as the people who design, plan, and construct it. Yet historically, the construction sector has often mirrored a narrow set of routes, backgrounds, and faces.
As we mark #NationalInclusionWeek, we are reflecting on what genuine inclusion looks like in practise: ensuring that anyone – regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, or socioeconomic background – can see a clear, welcoming place for themselves in our industry.
Inspiring the Next Generation: Nalin’s Journey with Build My Talent
Real representation begins by showing young people that different pathways exist.
Earlier this week, Nalin, one of our degree apprentices, spoke to an engaged group of young people through Build My Talent. Nalin joined Vascroft over four years ago and is now in his fourth year, with just one year left before completing his apprenticeship.
Speaking openly about his journey so far, Nalin shared what it’s really like starting out in construction, the practical and problem-solving skills that have helped him progress, and direct advice for anyone considering a degree apprenticeship.
Programmes like this do more than offer career guidance; they demystify our sector. A big thank you to Build My Talent for inviting Nalin to take part, and to Dr. Carol Massay for connecting us with the team and for her pioneering work in youth education and widening access within the construction industry.
From the Ground Up to the Roof: A Staggered Approach
In a massive commercial conversion like this, synchronisation is everything. Because we are managing a vertical extension alongside an intense internal fit-out, different levels are moving at different paces.
While Levels 3 and 4 are deep into their first-fix stages, other floors are at various phases of structural reinforcement or framing. This staggered approach ensures
Redefining the Industry: Voices on Gender and Opportunity
Creating an inclusive environment means dismantling traditional stereotypes, particularly around women in construction.
Vascroft’s Chief Operating Officer, Chandni Vora MBE, has long been an active champion for female leadership, diversity of thought, and equal opportunity across the built environment. Reflecting on the evolving role of women in the sector, Chandni points out:
“Leadership isn’t about knowing everything; it’s about creating an environment where others can thrive. Working in this industry has brought its challenges, but it has also made me stronger and more resilient… Construction companies have made significant strides in addressing historical gender inequality. While there’s still progress to be made, I truly believe the industry is changing for the better, and the next generation will have more opportunities than ever before.”
Addressing the urgent demographic shifts facing the sector, Chandni highlights why building accessible, diverse routes of entry is not just desirable, but vital for the future of UK construction:
“The [construction] industry is projected to lose 500,000 to 750,000 workers to retirement by 2036, and the CITB estimates that around 210,000 people leave the industry each year, many due to retirement. Encouraging the next generation to consider construction as a career choice is essential.
Attending the Levitate Her – Women in Construction on the tools event in late November, hosted by Dr. Carol Massay and Dame Kelly Holmes, further reinforced the need to ensure construction is a career choice for all. We must continue to champion and create pathways that support opportunity and build a more diverse industry.”
A Broader Lens: Inclusion Across Every Background and Ability
True inclusion does not stop at gender. It means building an environment where people from all ethnicities, walks of life, and physical abilities have equal access to growth:
- Heritage of Diverse Enterprise: Founded in 1977 as a family-run business by Kenyan-Asian immigrant brothers Shashi and the late Arjan Vekaria, Vascroft grew from carpentry subcontracting into a leading contractor. Having grown from minority-led roots, we recognise the distinct resilience, innovation, and strength that different cultural perspectives bring to a site team.
- Disability & Vocational Empowerment: Inclusion means advocating for those who face the highest systemic barriers to employment. Through the Vascroft Foundation, we have long supported vocational training and education for disabled, visually impaired, and vulnerable individuals – such as our work with Shree Navchetan Andhjan Mandal – helping young people acquire the practical skills needed to achieve financial independence.
- Community-Centred Spaces: Our portfolio includes building and restoring inclusive spaces across the UK – from major Hindu and Jain temples to multi-faith centres, schools, and civic hubs designed to welcome and serve diverse communities.
What Inclusion Means to Us Every Day
- Accessible Routes into Work: Providing debt-free degree apprenticeships and vocational training that open construction careers to talent from all socioeconomic backgrounds.
- Championing Women in the Sector: Supporting women across commercial, operational, project management, and site-based roles through active mentorship and visible representation.
- Inclusive & Accessible Workplaces: Fostering site and office environments that prioritise psychological safety, neurodiversity, physical accessibility, and mutual respect.
Looking Ahead
We are immensely proud to support Nalin through the final year of his apprenticeship and look forward to seeing his journey continue.
Stories like Nalin’s prove that when you combine personal ambition with genuine opportunity, the future of our industry is in safe hands. Construction thrives when different viewpoints, abilities, and life experiences come together to shape the built environment.
