How a Romanian ‘maths champ’ became a CIOB mentor

Lucian Gerea was brought up in Romania – where he was a maths ‘champ’. He moved to the UK in 2005 and is now a site manager with John Sisk & Son and a CIOB member engagement champion.

Tell us a about your career path?

I studied in Sibiu in Transylvania in Romania, where I graduated university with a specialism in IT programming.

In 2005 I moved to the UK to Wembley and took a job in construction as a chainman. I quickly grew to love my new home, colleagues, family and culture. I discovered a passion for both construction and languages, though it was hard to learn the difference between formal English and English slang particularly working on site. Now, I can say I am a proud British citizen.

I quickly progressed in construction and became a site engineer in the first six months. After 11 years of using state-of-the-art construction equipment and with an exceptional level of training and site-based experience I became a site manager. I was then encouraged by my construction manager to apply to become chartered in the CIOB.

What does being a CIOB mentor involve?

I became a member engagement champion with the CIOB. We developed with other committee members a CIOB mentoring programme.

As a mentor, I provide support, encouragement and inspiration to members during and following CIOB progression. We meet them where they currently are in their professional development and take them as far as they wish to develop. This is such a rewarding role. I love seeing members develop in confidence and knowledge, then eventually, become chartered.

What are your own aims and career ambitions?

I want to continue to assist and mentor construction learners and professionals. Creating a supportive community of professionals is crucial to the success of both individuals and the industry.

Since becoming a committee member at CIOB London, I have forged links between different people – including working with the chair of the British Psychological Society to collaborate on events.

Life is a continuous change and development process. We can always become a better version of ourselves. I strongly believe that the legacy we leave is by how we empower and improve our new generations by building and creating a better future.