Careers Fair - Building The Future Construction Awards

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Construction Summit and Careers Fair 2026

Construction Summit & Careers Fair 2026 West Midlands 2035: Building the Region of the Future

Location: University College Birmingham

Date: Friday 12th June 2026

Delivered in partnership with: West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), Wickes, SIPS, University College Birmingham

Overview

Now in its third year, the Construction Summit & Careers Fair 2026 brings together industry leaders, policymakers, educators and over 200 students from 12 carefully selected secondary schools across the West Midlands.

This is a regional alignment platform connecting strategic industry insight with emerging talent.

Under the theme ‘West Midlands 2035: Building the Region of the Future’, the summit explores how housing delivery, workforce development, innovation and social value must align to secure the region’s future prosperity.

The Professional Summit

Four high-level panel discussions will explore the issues defining construction in the West Midlands. Each panel features five senior contributors from across industry, local government, academia and delivery partners.

1. Building Social Value: Construction as a Community Catalyst

How do we move social value from compliance to competitive advantage? This panel examines how projects can create local jobs, apprenticeships and long-term economic resilience, and how contractors, SMEs, councils and colleges can collaborate effectively.

2. From Housing Crisis to Housing Boom: Solving the West Midlands Housing Challenge

This panel explores planning reform, unlocking brownfield land, modern methods of construction, affordability pressures and sustainable development — focusing on practical delivery solutions.

3. Bridging the Skills Gap: Building a Future-Ready Workforce

This discussion focuses on apprenticeship pathways, employer-college collaboration, diversity in construction and long-term talent development strategies.

4. Green & Digital Revolution: Innovation in Construction

This panel explores sustainable building practices, retrofit programmes, BIM, AI and Modern Methods of Construction, and how regional firms can lead the transition.

The Careers Fair – A Live Talent Pipeline in Action

Alongside the professional summit, 200 students from 12 secondary schools will rotate through immersive, hands-on workshop sessions delivered by leading employers and training providers.

Students will experience construction tools and technologies, engage with apprentices and professionals, explore career pathways and gain exposure to opportunities within the sector.

Joint Inspirational Session – ‘What They Don’t Tell You About the Construction Sector’

Professionals and students will come together for a sponsor-led session addressing career progression, earning potential, industry impact and the essential role of the next generation.

Why Attend? For Industry Leaders

Engage in regional dialogue, strengthen relationships with education and policy partners, and align your organisation with the West Midlands 2035 vision.

For Exhibitors & Employers

Engage directly with 200 students, showcase apprenticeship pathways, build long-term talent pipelines and network with regional stakeholders.

For Educators

Deliver meaningful employer engagement aligned to Gatsby Benchmarks and strengthen local industry partnerships.

For Students

Experience construction first-hand, meet professionals and explore future career possibilities.

A Regional Platform for Partnership

The Construction Summit & Careers Fair is an annual moment of alignment between industry, education and regional leadership.

Enquiries: info@buildingthefutureawards.co.uk

Website: www.buildingthefutureawards.co.uk

Video Highlight 2025

Construction Summit & Careers Fair

The Building the Future Construction Summit and Careers Fair on June 18, 2025, focused on “Innovation in Construction.” The event brought together industry leaders and schoolchildren to discuss challenges and opportunities in the built environment. Attendees had a dedicated careers fair and exhibition zone to explore career pathways and meet with employers.

Explore Slideshow

2025 Event Recap

The 2025 Building the Future Careers Fair was a resounding success, inspiring the next generation of talent to consider a career in construction. The event successfully connected students with industry professionals, providing a unique platform for learning and hands-on experiences. A day of innovation and collaboration left a lasting impact on all attendees and showcased the bright future of the industry.