AHEAD of International Women’s Day on March 8, Katie Kelleher of the Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA) has been named in the 2025 Women in Trade Associations Powerlist.
In its third year, the Powerlist celebrates inspirational female business and sector champions. Organised by the Trade Association Forum (TAF), Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), the Powerlist celebrates the role and achievements of women in trade bodies.
Katie joined the CPA in 2023 as technical and development officer. Her construction story started in 2014 when she was the first woman to start 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 schemes.
Katie said, “I never set out to win awards, I set out to make a difference. Being named in the 2025 Women in Trade Associations 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 entering the construction sector, Katie worked in various roles across sales and recruitment. Some may know her as ‘Katie Cranes’ and she has developed a large presence on social media with 28,000 followers on LinkedIn alone. Katie 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 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, and BBC 100 Women season.
In her role at the CPA, Katie provides members with guidance on technical, training and safety subjects, and helps produce and maintain the CPA’s safety and technical publications. She also represents the CPA on a number of industry-led initiatives and working groups.
To celebrate making the 2025 Women in Trade Associations Powerlist, Katie has been invited to attend a reception later this month in London to meet the other women on the list and celebrate their achievements.
