Katie Kelleher

Katie Kelleher is the Technical Publications & Careers Manager at the Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA), where she leads on technical guidance, training initiatives, and safety publications for the UK plant-hire industry. She also represents the CPA on multiple industry-led working groups, influencing best practice and raising safety standards across the sector.

Katie began her construction career in 2014 as the first woman to start the Lifting Technician Apprenticeship with Select Plant Hire. She went on to operate cranes on major infrastructure projects including Crossrail and Tideway, later progressing to Appointed Person. Her unconventional route into construction — following earlier roles in sales and recruitment — has made her a passionate advocate for apprenticeships, skills, and protecting the workforce.

A keynote speaker and panellist, Katie has presented at major events including Intermat (Paris), CONEXPO-CON/AGG (Las Vegas), and the Construction News Inspiring Women in Construction and Engineering Conference. She also hosts the Tales from the Hook podcast, sharing stories from across the lifting industry. Her work has featured in Plant Planet, Earthmovers Magazine, and the TV series Impossible Engineering. In 2019, she was invited to Buckingham Palace in recognition of her contributions to construction.

Katie has been named one of the Top 100 Women in Construction, featured in the Construction News “15 People to Watch” list, selected as a LinkedIn Top Voice, and most recently, included in the 2025 Women in Trade Association Powerlist. Passionate about retention, workforce development, and making construction a better place for everyone, she champions practical strategies to improve workplace culture, leadership accountability, and long-term career progression.