Jogita Govind is a L&D Operations Manager and Deputy Safeguarding at Travis Perkins plc and has been with the company for 27 years. Jogita talks to us about her long career in construction, the positive shifts in the industry she’s witnessed and how her South Asian Heritage plays a significant role in shaping who she is.
Before joining the construction industry, I saw it as a male-dominated field focused on manual labour, with little room for personal development. My father worked in the sector, and I didn’t see it as much more than bricks and mortar. However, once I entered the industry myself, I quickly realised how vast and varied it is. I also discovered that roles in HR and Training were vital for nurturing talent and ensuring workforce retention. This shifted my perception from construction being all about just physical labour to finding my passion for people development, which completely changed my view.
As a woman in this traditionally male-dominated field, I initially felt the need to prove myself. Being a young, Asian woman, I was in the minority, and that meant my credibility was sometimes questioned. Over time, though, the industry evolved, and my unique perspective and experience became valued. Over time, I have built strong, respectful relationships with male colleagues, and I am treated as an equal.
The industry has transformed since I first joined Travis Perkins plc in 1998. Back then, HR was largely paper-based, with manual processes. But over the years, I’ve witnessed the shift towards digitalisation, data-driven decision-making, and more strategic talent management. Today, there’s a much stronger focus on people development, and I’ve seen how investing in skills and wellbeing helps drive success.
With 27 years of experience, I’ve gained a deep understanding of our business, its operations, and the importance of talent development. From supporting management trainees to leading apprenticeship programmes, I’ve seen the real-world impact of these initiatives. There’s nothing more rewarding than watching former apprentices and trainees thrive and develop.
As a female leader in Learning and Development, I aim to be a role model for women entering the industry. Through my work, I help create inclusive programmes and environments that break down barriers for women. My role as Deputy Safeguarding Lead further supports this by ensuring ours is a safe, welcoming space for all.
Being of South Asian heritage plays a significant role in shaping who I am. It’s about balancing both cultures—honouring my roots while contributing to the wider UK community. Celebrating festivals like Diwali, speaking my native language, and engaging in cultural traditions help me stay connected to my heritage. Travis Perkins’ commitment to diversity and cultural inclusion resonates deeply with me, as they excel at making everyone feel a sense of belonging.
My core values, rooted in my upbringing, revolve around family, community, and continuous learning. My parents instilled in me the importance of respect, empathy, hard work, and seizing opportunities, all reinforced by our close-knit extended family. My Indian heritage, celebrated through festivals, language, and food, further broadened my perspective and strengthened my identity and pride. This aligns with our business culture, where everyone’s contributions are celebrated, and where we encourage each other to be ourselves. To say it with our motto: “You be you, it makes us us.”
In my career, I’ve followed a path of deliberate and proactive growth while also seizing the opportunities that have come my way. From developing training programmes to leading apprenticeship quality assurance, each role has expanded my horizon and the impact I have in this business. Looking ahead, I plan to continue driving for operational excellence, mentor younger colleagues, and contribute to a workplace that values diversity and people development, staying true to the values instilled in me by my heritage.
