The Construction Cogs Podcast

Construction Cogs
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Each person in construction is a cog in the ever-moving machine.  The Construction Cogs Podcast is a construction and engineering podcast that speaks to those cogs, from workers and specialists to contractors, leaders, and business owners, to explore careers, site life, safety, technology, infrastructure, and what really keeps the industry moving. 

  1. Renée Breen - Apprentice in Naval Architecture

    APR 30

    Renée Breen - Apprentice in Naval Architecture

    A ship can look rock solid and still be one bad weight shift away from trouble. We’re joined by Rene, a level 4 apprentice naval architect, to make vessel stability feel real, human, and surprisingly relatable, from heel and GM values to the unglamorous truth of tracking every kilo during a refit. If you’ve ever wondered what naval architecture actually involves, or how ships get safely repurposed and sent back to sea, this conversation gives you a clear starting point. We also talk apprenticeships in the UK. Rene walks us through the competitive application stages, the aptitude-style tests you can’t really revise for, and the pressure of A-level results.  Her biggest insight is simple. Employers often look past imperfect grades when your attitude, curiosity, and determination are obvious. Along the way, we dig into apprenticeships versus university debt, how progression can work from HNC to degree routes, and why “hard work over talent” shows up in real hiring decisions. Then it gets personal. Rene moved from Liverpool to Plymouth for the role, leaving a close family network and building a new life from scratch. We discuss what it’s like being one of very few women in engineering, how odd comments can wear you down, and why reporting harassment is not “making a fuss”, it’s protecting people. She also shares the value of industrial placements, learning on the tools, and having a mentor who actually takes time to teach. If you enjoy honest career stories, engineering problem-solving, and practical lessons that cross over into construction and infrastructure, you’ll get loads from this. Subscribe for more, share this with someone weighing an apprenticeship, and leave us a review with your biggest takeaway. https://constructioncogs.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@CCcranelife https://www.youtube.com/@TheConstructionCogsPodcast https://www.instagram.com/cccranelife/ https://www.tiktok.com/@cccranelife https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmywebb/ https://www.reddit.com/user/ConstructionCogs/

    51 min
  2. Steve Leyton - Keltbray's Director of Lifting

    MAR 31

    Steve Leyton - Keltbray's Director of Lifting

    Steve Leyton, Lifting Director at Keltbray, joins the Construction Cogs Podcast to talk about how lifting competence is built properly across major projects. We get into how Keltbray have centralised their lifting operations, how they assess and mentor slingers and supervisors, and why that approach is helping them retain people long term. Steve also shares his journey into lifting, his involvement in BS 7121 standards, and stories from some of the UK’s most complex heavy lift operations. https://constructioncogs.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@CCcranelife https://www.youtube.com/@TheConstructionCogsPodcast https://www.instagram.com/cccranelife/ https://www.tiktok.com/@cccranelife https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmywebb/ https://www.reddit.com/user/ConstructionCogs/

    2h 19m
  3. Rachel Housman - Ally Safety

    MAR 1

    Rachel Housman - Ally Safety

    In this episode, I’m joined by Rachel Housman from Ally Safety, my first ever guest on this podcast from across the pond. We originally connected after I entered a safety video into a competition Rachel ran, and it led to a proper chat about what she does, why most training does not land, and how to make safety communication actually stick. We get into: What Ally Safety is, who it’s for, and what you get with a subscriptionTraining that works in the real world, including humour, attention, and dealing with people who think they’ve seen it allRisk and decision makingLeadership, reporting culture, and the habits that accidentally make people hide problemsPreventative maintenanceTechnology in training Then we finish with some Nonsense Questions to round it off. Connect with Rachel and Ally Safety https://allysafety.com/ https://www.facebook.com/allysafety/ https://www.instagram.com/ally_safety/ https://www.pinterest.com/AllySafety/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/allysafety/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-housman-csp-cih-80957163/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRRHDgvsBeJGYrwyPBzVhbw https://constructioncogs.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@CCcranelife https://www.youtube.com/@TheConstructionCogsPodcast https://www.instagram.com/cccranelife/ https://www.tiktok.com/@cccranelife https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmywebb/ https://www.reddit.com/user/ConstructionCogs/

    53 min
  4. Richard Stone - Project Management Blueprint

    FEB 1

    Richard Stone - Project Management Blueprint

    In this episode of The Construction Cogs Podcast, I sit down with Richard Stone, founder of Project Management Blueprint, to talk about what really happens when construction becomes a race to the bottom, and why chasing the cheapest price often creates the most expensive problems. Richard breaks down the thinking behind Project Management Blueprint and the structured, step-by-step approach he teaches for running smoother, more compliant, more profitable projects, across refurbs, conversions, and bigger builds.  We get into: Tendering and pricing pressure, and why cheap usually means something is missingThe real-world importance of solid pre-construction informationCompliance, health and safety, and the consequences when corners are cutMental health and the stress that comes with insecure, pressured workThe line that sums it up: Nothing is as expensive as cheap adviceIf you’ve ever felt the squeeze to price lower, move faster, or take shortcuts to “win” the job, this one will hit home. Follow or contact Richard here: Website: https://richardmstone.com/Email: richard@richardmstone.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardmstone/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/project_management_blueprint/ https://constructioncogs.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@CCcranelife https://www.youtube.com/@TheConstructionCogsPodcast https://www.instagram.com/cccranelife/ https://www.tiktok.com/@cccranelife https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmywebb/ https://www.reddit.com/user/ConstructionCogs/

    1h 19m
  5. Philippa Wright - Mobile Crane Operator

    JAN 1

    Philippa Wright - Mobile Crane Operator

    In this episode, we speak with Pip Wright (Philippa Wright), a UK mobile crane operator, about what the job really involves on site. Pip shares how she got into crane operating, the responsibility that comes with lifting operations, and why confidence, communication and mindset are essential in a role where safety is everything. We also discuss site culture, earning respect through competence, and being a woman in construction without. A conversation for anyone working in construction, considering a trade career, or curious about roles in the crane industry. Topics covered: • How Pip got into mobile crane operating • What a mobile crane operator actually does on site • Responsibility, safety and pressure in lifting operations • Communication between crane operators and slingers • Confidence, mindset and learning on the job • Being a woman in construction • Advice for getting into crane operating and construction Lifting Operations training: https://lifttecacademy.co.uk/constructioncogs Use code CCOGS100 for £100 off your course https://constructioncogs.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@CCcranelife https://www.youtube.com/@TheConstructionCogsPodcast https://www.instagram.com/cccranelife/ https://www.tiktok.com/@cccranelife https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmywebb/ https://www.reddit.com/user/ConstructionCogs/

    1h 2m
  6. Donatas Misius - Crane Supervisor

    12/01/2025

    Donatas Misius - Crane Supervisor

    Lifting Operations training: https://lifttecacademy.co.uk/constructioncogs Use code CCOGS100 for £100 off your course In this episode I sit down with Donny, a well-respected slinger and crane supervisor with solid experience in the lifting industry. We talk about his journey, the realities of site life and what it takes to work safely and professionally in lifting operations. We cover: • How Donny started in the lifting industry • The difference between working as a slinger and as a crane supervisor • How to handle pressure, stress and high risk lifts • Site culture and dealing with strong personalities • CPCS vs NPORS • Common mistakes new slingers make • What a supervisor wants from a crane operator • Mental health challenges in construction • Advice for future slingers and supervisors • The level of support for new starters on site • Career progression and thoughts on becoming an AP • And our usual round of Nonsense Questions Whether you are a crane operator, slinger, supervisor or someone looking to enter the industry, this episode offers practical insight from someone who has worked at a reliable and trusted level. Remember to like, comment and subscribe for more content on cranes, lifting operations and construction careers. Also, subscribe to my vlog channel, where you see my life as a tower crane operator. https://www.youtube.com/@CCcranelife   https://constructioncogs.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@CCcranelife https://www.youtube.com/@TheConstructionCogsPodcast https://www.instagram.com/cccranelife/ https://www.tiktok.com/@cccranelife https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmywebb/ https://www.reddit.com/user/ConstructionCogs/

    45 min
  7. Jade Harris - Co-founder of The Buddie System

    11/01/2025

    Jade Harris - Co-founder of The Buddie System

    In this episode, I’m joined by Jade Harris, co-founder of The Buddie System, an Australian innovation that’s redefining safety in crane and lifting operations.  The Buddie System uses smart wearables and wireless communication to keep workers safe when radio contact fails. Whether it’s a dogman in Australia, a slinger in the UK, or a rigger in the US, this technology provides a lifeline when communication breaks down. With a simple tug on the lanyard, an instant alert can stop a crane in motion, helping prevent accidents before they happen.  Jade shares the story behind the invention, how it’s been tested on real sites, and what it’s been like seeing industry giants like Marr Contracting and Multiplex adopt the system. We also chat about expanding into the UK and US markets, future developments, and what’s next for wearable safety tech. And of course, we wrap up with my usual 'Nonsense Questions'.  🎧 **Listen now to hear how digital safety is changing the construction landscape, one lift at a time.**  🔗 Learn more about The Buddie System:  https://www.thebuddiesystem.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-buddie-system-tbs/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jade-harris-7068a2a6/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-panagiotidis-3263ba11a/   📍 Featuring: Jade Harris  🎙️ Hosted by: Jimmy Webb  Remember to subscribe to my YouTube vlog, where I show you my day-to-day action as a tower crane operator: https://www.youtube.com/@CCcranelife https://constructioncogs.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@CCcranelife https://www.youtube.com/@TheConstructionCogsPodcast https://www.instagram.com/cccranelife/ https://www.tiktok.com/@cccranelife https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmywebb/ https://www.reddit.com/user/ConstructionCogs/

    1 hr
  8. Charity Rose - Engineering Geologist

    09/30/2025

    Charity Rose - Engineering Geologist

    In this episode, I speak with Charity Rose, an Engineering Geologist at AtkinsRéalis and a key member of Bold as Brass, about a critical issue the construction industry has largely ignored. On-site menstrual safety and welfare facilities for women. Charity specialises in geotechnical engineering but has become a leading voice advocating for equality on construction sites. We discuss the reality of current site facilities, the health and safety risks women face when adequate provisions aren't made, and practical solutions that every site manager and contractor can implement. This conversation tackles an uncomfortable but essential topic - why basic dignity and safety for women workers matters, what menstrual safety actually looks like in practice, and how proper welfare facilities can help retain more women in our industry. Topics covered:  Current state of welfare facilities on UK construction sites Bold as Brass and how to get involvedBold as Brass's campaign for properly fitting PPE and facilities Practical solutions for site managers and contractors What Charity's perfect site facilities would look likeAwareness around menopauseHSE welfare requirements and where the gaps are Breaking down stigma around menstrual health discussionsAnd our usual round of 'Nonsense Questions'🌐 Connect with Charity:  📌 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charity-rose-b7b5ba167/  📌 Bold as Brass - Tribe - Women & Tribe Women Only: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12683758/  📌 Bold as Brass Allies and All Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12721909/ https://constructioncogs.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@CCcranelife https://www.youtube.com/@TheConstructionCogsPodcast https://www.instagram.com/cccranelife/ https://www.tiktok.com/@cccranelife https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmywebb/ https://www.reddit.com/user/ConstructionCogs/

    37 min
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About

Each person in construction is a cog in the ever-moving machine.  The Construction Cogs Podcast is a construction and engineering podcast that speaks to those cogs, from workers and specialists to contractors, leaders, and business owners, to explore careers, site life, safety, technology, infrastructure, and what really keeps the industry moving. 

Information

  • Creator
    Construction Cogs
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Construction Cogs Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Construction Cogs Podcast