UK Construction Week (UKCW) London has announced a stronger focus on skills development, apprenticeships and training at this year’s show, including a live challenge featuring some of the world’s best in BIM digital construction; a new collaboration with the CITB (Construction Industry Training Board); and new show zones focused on skills, training, careers and recruitment.
UKCW London will run 7-9 May 2024 at ExCeL. Features, events and new areas at this year’s UKCW London with a focus on skills development and training include:
The Worldskills BIM challenge will run across all three days and feature Isabelle Barron - who won gold at last year’s EuroSkills competition in Gdańsk, Poland - alongside competitors from China, Korea, Hong Kong, France and Ireland, many of whom will be competing in the Worldskills World Finals in Lyon in September.
The new Skills and Training Hub at UKCW London is a first-time collaboration with the CITB (Construction Industry Training Board), which will address the Skills Shortage head-on with a programme featuring a myriad of talks and workshops to support skills development within the industry and ultimately, build better.
While Days 1 and 2 will have a skills/training focus, Day 3 will focus on careers and be aimed predominantly at students. Events and workshops will cover a myriad of topics including:
- Future-proofing skills
- The Human influence on Sustainable Organisations
- Innovation and creativity in construction culture
- Apprenticeships and vocational training
- Diversity and inclusion in construction
- Future trends in construction careers
Danny Clarke, Head of Engagement at the CITB, commented: “Having attended, exhibited and spoken at UK Construction Week over the past few years, it is the natural fit for me to continue to showcase all that the CITB has to offer construction companies and educational partners to support their people with skills and training. The CITB is the industry training board for the construction sector in England, Scotland, and Wales. It's our job to help the construction industry attract talent and to support skills development, to build a better Britain and this event is part of that strategic delivery.”
Another new area at UKCW London will be the Careers and Recruitment Zone - created in response to exhibitor and visitor feedback, this will not only be a focal point for all those working in recruitment, or simply looking for that next new role. Visitors will have face to face access to specialist recruiters from the construction sector, with discreet interview rooms allowing candidates to have onsite consultations. Confirmed exhibitors include national accreditation body UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service), Government of Western Australia, Anglia Ruskin University and UCAS (The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).
Sam Patel, UKCW event director, commented: “Skills development, training and recruitment are all fundamental to the future of the construction sector - and that includes changing perceptions and highlighting the breadth of opportunities available. Our increased focus on these areas at UKCW London reflects the need for career advice, training and development that are so vital to both those already working in the sector and those who are looking to begin their careers.”
UKCW London is complemented by its sister event, UKCW Birmingham, which takes place at the NEC from October 1-3. Details on the Birmingham programme of events and speakers will be announced in due course.
To find out more about both shows and to register for Concrete Expo and UKCW London for free, visit the website.
https://ukcw-london-2024.reg.buzz/cab-pr
