Engineering Happiness? What would your industry sing?

It is not often the construction press report much to really make me smile, however a couple of Fridays ago a video commissioned by the Institute of Civil Engineers landed in my inbox. Hardly a likely sourse of ammusement.

The Engnieers are filmed dancing to Pharrell Williams hit single ‘Happy’

I thought I’d spread the love-: by posting a link to the video on some of my professional networking groups inviting their thoughts on the choice of song.

Suggestions included:

The Mock Turtles, “Can you Dig it”

“If I had a Hammer”

“Hole in the Ground”

“We can Fix it” (Bob the Builder)

…..and my fav — “Always look on the Bright Side of Life” Monty Python, The life of Brain.

I was struck variation of the songs suggested all rather well considered for their literal and hidden connections to the culture of the sector-:Some contrast to the Institutions’ choice.

I genuinely welcome the ICEs’ efforts at raising the profile of the industry, and promoting a diverse and human face. HAPPY — I get it there is no better feeling than seeing a big project completed and thinking “ I helped to do that! WOW”

I also get that rather too late my sector finally understands we need to be proud of what we do to attract and retain skills. My industry is finally addressing equity and diversity.

However those that actually build anything are the SME engnieering specialists, they account for the largest employer numbers even though each is small in scale. They are an army of the unknown, but without them increased skills in construction will never be achieved.

The foundation of equity is balance of power . Before we attract people and build pride in our sector we need to redress the structural floor of the balance of power between those that do build and those that organise.

There is clearly a differnce in the tunes they are singing.

My choice Chumberwumber “ I get Knocked Down” ( But I get Up Again… You’re never gona keep me down)