People First, Skills Second: Rethinking Construction with Paul Bird

In this episode of the Global Skills Podcast, I sit down with Paul Bird, Head of Learning at the Lighthouse Charity, to explore what it really means to put people first in one of the UK’s most vital industries — construction. Paul shares his powerful journey from teaching English and media to leading learning and wellbeing initiatives across construction, driven by a deep personal connection to the industry through his father. We unpack how learning, retention and meaningful work shape not just careers, but lives. We also have an honest conversation about emotional wellbeing, suicide prevention and the systemic challenges facing the construction sector, including fragmentation, financial pressure and cultural barriers around men speaking up. Paul outlines the innovative programmes being developed at the Lighthouse Charity — from micro-learning and middle-leader training to neurodiversity inclusion and long-term career support. This is a conversation about dignity in work, reverse mentoring, volunteering as a pathway forward, and how we build an industry — and future workforce — where people feel valued, supported and proud of what they create. Connect With  Paul Bird https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-bird-7343b791 Connect with the Global Skills Podcast Connect with the Host Vanessa Wainwright LinkedIn Visit Our Website https://www.globalskillspodcast.com Send us an email at [email protected]