The event, ‘Shaping Future Skills in Construction and the Built Environment’, will be co-chaired by Professor Charles Egbu, Vice-Chancellor at Leeds Trinity University, and Sandi Rhys Jones OBE, President of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), on Wednesday 22 May.

Professor Egbu is an expert in construction and the built environment, having held the role of CIOB President in 2019. His main research interests are in project management, construction management and sustainable development. Sandi Rhys Jones OBE became CIOB President in June 2023.

Charles and Sandi will be joined at the UKREiiF roundtable by leading employers from the sector to discuss education and training gaps currently experienced in the industry, and influence the development of new programmes.

This comes as Leeds Trinity University prepares to launch a suite of construction and built environment courses in 2024/25, delivered from its highly anticipated Leeds City Campus.

The new degrees in Construction and the Built Environment – including Construction Management, Construction Project Management and Quantity Surveying – have been developed in consultation with industry representatives to meet the increasing employment needs within this expanding sector and encourage greater diversity.

Professor Charles Egbu, Vice-Chancellor at Leeds Trinity University, said: “We are very pleased to be hosting an industry roundtable at UKREiiF this year with Sandi Rhys Jones OBE. It is an excellent opportunity to come together with employers and reflect on how institutions like ours can be paving the way to support the talent pipeline of the future.

“Leeds Trinity University has a strong focus on widening participation, employability and supporting students to develop the right skills and attributes for the jobs of tomorrow. Participating in national events like UKREiiF and facilitating discussions on future talent is just one of the ways that we work to help our students develop the core skills, technical knowledge and experience needed to pursue a professional career in construction.”

UKREiiF connects people, places and businesses to drive fresh investment and economic growth. The three-day event in Leeds will bring together the public sector with government, investors, funders, developers and housebuilders.

Andrew Battye, External Affairs & Content at UKREiiF, added: “We are delighted to be able to help Leeds Trinity University connect with industry ahead of the launch of their built environment focused courses. Their work to facilitate the entry of young people from a wide range of backgrounds into the industry and create the next generation of built environment professionals fits perfectly with the ethos of UKREiiF. We look forward to building on this partnership in the coming years.”

UKREiiF 2024 is being held at the Royal Armouries in Leeds from Tuesday 21 to Thursday 23 May.

For more information about Construction and the Built Environment at Leeds Trinity University, visit the 'study' page on the website.