Katie Kelleher of the Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA) has been named in the 2025 Women in Trade Association Powerlist.
In its third year, the Powerlist celebrates the most inspirational female business and sector champions in the UK. Organised collectively by the Trade Association Forum (TAF), Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), the Powerlist champions the role of women in trade bodies, celebrating their achievements and encouraging the next generation of women into the sector.
Katie joined the CPA in 2023 in the role of Technical and Development Officer, bringing with her huge technical and training expertise, together with extensive industry experience. Her construction story started in 2014 when she was the first woman to commence the Lifting Technician Apprenticeship with Select Plant Hire, before becoming a Crane Operator working on large projects such as Crossrail and the Tideway Project. Following this she worked as an Appointed Person on several high-profile infrastructure projects.
Katie said: “I never set out to win awards, I set out to make a difference. Being named in the 2025 Women in Trade Association Powerlist is an honour, but the real achievement is contributing to positive change in the construction plant sector. Whether it’s improving safety, sharing knowledge or supporting the next generation, I’m proud to play a part in shaping the industry’s future.”
Prior to commencing her career in construction, Katie worked in various roles across sales and recruitment before embarking on a change in career. Some may know Katie as ‘Katie Cranes’, and she has developed a fantastic presence on social media with 28K followers on LinkedIn alone. Katie actively uses social media to showcase her experiences and the benefits of working within the construction plant industry.
She is passionate about women in construction and as well as championing apprenticeships for all, Katie is a STEM Ambassador and she has spoken at schools and colleges to inspire people into the industry. Katie has also taken part in parliamentary committees on apprenticeships and has appeared on London Live, BBC Breakfast, BBC 100 Women season and many more.
She has already been declared one of the ‘Top 100 Women in Construction’ and has been selected as a ‘LinkedIn Top Voice’. She has also been on the ‘Construction News 15 People to Watch’ list.
In her role at the CPA, Katie’s strengths have benefited many CPA members and supported the wider sector. She provides members with expert guidance on technical, training and safety subjects, and helps produce and maintain the CPA’s large range of safety and technical publications. She also represents the CPA on a number of industry-led initiatives and working groups. Katie first became acquainted with the CPA when she was a panel speaker at the CPA Conference and she has been a judge for the CPA’s Stars of the Future Apprentice Awards for many years.
Katie is deeply committed to enhancing safety within the construction plant sector and has played a leading role in the CPA’s involvement in the Industry Lifting Lead AP Group (ILLAPG). Katie has helped launch initiatives such as the HOSASS Hands off, Step Away, Safe Space campaign which raises awareness to step away from potential danger during lifting operations.
To celebrate making the 2025 Women in Trade Association Powerlist, Katie has been invited to attend a special reception at the end of March in London to meet the other women on the list and celebrate their achievements.
