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Sasha Silk - Women In Leadership
Name: Sasha Silk
Role: Social Value Lead
Company/Organisation: Apex Contractors Ltd
A bit about you: My role primarily focuses on social value, which involves creating a positive economic, social, and environmental impact within the communities we work in. I am responsible for developing and forecasting social value plans tailored to each of our project sites, and I work to ensure these plans are delivered effectively.
This includes engaging with local schools through careers presentations, workshops, and mock interviews, as well as participating in wider community initiatives. I work closely with local groups and charities, supporting causes such as food bank collections and donation drives to maximise our community outreach and impact.
Why did you decide to go into your chosen field? I began my career in an administrative role, and while construction wasn’t a field I had previously considered, joining the industry opened my eyes to its vast opportunities. Seeing the potential for growth—particularly for women—was incredibly inspiring, and I quickly realised how rewarding a career in construction can be.
What qualifications and work experience did you need to reach your current position? I started my role without any prior work experience. It’s a position that has grown and evolved alongside me, and while it’s unique to my company, it’s encouraging to see similar roles emerging across the industry.
My qualifications include GCSEs and A-Levels, and my journey shows that you don’t necessarily need a university degree to make a meaningful impact.
For anyone interested in a role like mine, I’d advise having a genuine passion for giving back to people. Much of my work is rooted in community engagement—working with schools, local groups, and charities to create positive and lasting impact.
What do you enjoy the most about your job? What I love most about my role is that no two days are ever the same. Each project brings the opportunity to support a diverse range of people, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see the positive impact we’re able to make within local communities.
What obstacles have you overcome in your career? Social value is still a relatively new concept, particularly at Apex, so learning about the various social value metrics has been a challenging but rewarding journey.
Why do you think it is important to have strong female representation in your industry? Having women in the construction industry is incredibly important. While it has traditionally been seen as a male-dominated field, this perception is changing—and it's encouraging to see more women entering and thriving in a range of roles across the sector.
What advice would you give to those wanting to take a similar career path? Go for it—you won’t regret it! The construction industry offers a wide variety of opportunities, with over 160 different roles to explore. Starting in one area can open doors to career paths you may never have previously considered. It’s a dynamic and evolving industry with something for everyone.
Is there anything else you would like to add about your job or about Women In Leadership?
In my role, I’ve learned that leadership isn’t just about titles—it’s about making a meaningful impact, supporting others, and helping to build stronger communities. I hope that by sharing my journey, I can encourage more women to see the value they can bring to the construction industry and to feel confident pursuing leadership roles in whatever form they take.
