Meet Rhianna Austin, Factory Academy Student and Community & Regeneration Officer at Laing O’Rourke

On top of Careers Week and International Women's Day week, we're also halfway through Women In Construction week. We had the pleasure of speaking to Rhianna Austin, who is currently on a 6 month paid Kickstart role at Laing O'Rourke after successfully completing our Factory Academy Kickstart Construction course.

Rhianna is currently working as Community and Regeneration Officer at Laing O’Rourke. Her role is to assist the development of community led projects and to deliver contractual commitments to support the Laing O’Rourke project team’s sustainability strategy. She seeks out and support initiatives that benefit communities and add value to residents whilst on the project. 

What made you apply for your role, and what previous experiences helped you get it?

Just as I made the decision to focus my attention on a career in the built environment, coincidentally the Factory Academy were looking for people to take part in a three-week construction course. My previous experience lies within events management - I studied at MMU and this is where I made my connection with MIF. I’ve volunteered at MIF festivals and events, and I was simply curious about where the course could take me along with the skills I could gather to embark on a career within built environment.

I’ve always had an interest in the social cohesion side of events and how they can benefit people when designed with purpose and creativity. I’ve built community driven experience by working in events, but more specifically at the international documentary film festival in Amsterdam when I worked as a community development volunteer, and this undoubtedly helped secure the role.

I’d never heard of social value or focused any attention on working within social sustainability but when Lauren Murphey, Laing O’Rourke’s social advisor for The Factory delivered a talk explaining her work I was instantly engaged and curious to know more. She’s now my line manager and the best mentor I could ask for. Ultimately, I’d say curiosity and an inspiring woman made me apply for the role.

Favourite part of your job?

Developing projects that support small charity registered organisations to grow their business . Manchester has an unbeatable sense of community so being in an environment where I can work with dedicated people is very inspiring.

Biggest challenge in your role?

The overall topic of sustainability embeds the three pillars (social, environmental and economic) but environmental often gains the most attention. Trying to increase awareness of what social value is and how it brings benefit can be a challenge. 

What excites you most about The Factory?

I’m excited to see the creativity behind the programming and exploration of community engagement, there’s so much room for Manchester’s residents to thrive in this space. And just the fact that Manchester is gaining an insane cultural space that is genuinely mind blowing - I hope to see northern artists get a look in and offered opportunities to complement the world’s greatest artists and thinkers. I have no doubt that MIF will utilise this innovative building to explore the revolutionary dance, music, visual arts, theatre experiences. 

What advice would you give to other women working in/wanting a career in the field?

To maximise your creative potential, I believe it’s vital to endorse your strengths and weaknesses and to own it all. I’ve recently come to terms with the fact I’m neurodivergent but have underestimated myself for years which stumped my confidence and creativity. Now that I understand myself more I’ve unlocked exciting possibilities. Ultimately, my advice would be to empower yourself to unlock your influential abilities.