Search on for next generation of construction talent

The event was organised by international property and construction consultancy, Gleeds, in partnership with the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB).

Held at Millennium Point, Birmingham, 150 pupils from nine schools across the West Midlands region took part in the event, which also formed part of National Apprenticeships Week.

Michael Parker, associate director at Gleeds, said: “At a time when there is a skills shortage across the UK construction industry, we wanted to give students the opportunity through Construction Careers Live! to hear first-hand about the many inspiring opportunities that this sector has to offer.”

The event also aimed to address a sector skills shortage, after the British Chambers of Commerce announced its Quarterly Recruitment Outlook.

It showed the construction industry as reporting the highest proportion of companies (34 per cent) seeking to increase their workforce in the first quarter of 2020.

Mr Parker said: “It’s vital that employers actively engage with schoolchildren to raise awareness of professional services careers in construction.

"From infrastructure to education, residential to retail, Gleeds is working on innovative projects that are shaping the skyline of the region, and there’s so much opportunity for the next generation of leaders to kick-start an incredibly fulfilling career in this industry."

With the aim of supporting Key Stage 3 pupils, at a pivotal time when they would be considering their future careers, the event included presentations and interactive sessions with experts across the project management, cost management, management consultancy, architecture and engineering fields.

Mr Street added: “It’s essential school pupils understand the opportunities available to them in the construction industry before they start making career decisions.

“Construction Careers Live! is a great way of doing this, and it is also a fantastic example of how we are working with the industry to help address their skills gap.”