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The South Bank Campus of Leeds College of Building recently hosted two sold-out fringe events as part of the\u00a0UK\u2019s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum<\/strong><\/a> (UKREiiF).<\/p>\n UKREiiF is the UK\u2019s leading event within the real estate, property and infrastructure sectors, and saw over 16,000 industry professionals descend on the New Dock area of Leeds.<\/p>\n A short walk from the main hub of UKREiiF, the College\u2019s South Bank campus was chosen to host two specialist sessions aimed at overcoming barriers to succeed in the construction industry.<\/p>\n A networking breakfast kicked off the first session, hosted by the Yorkshire branch of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC).<\/p>\n Event lead and Early Careers Coordinator at Stantec, Eve Ryan-Smith, said she saw the main aim of NAWIC as creating a:<\/p>\n \u201csupportive network for women in the construction and built environment industry.<\/p>\n \u201cOur other main focus is just to be a safe and supportive space, so the rest of the event will be about networking, catching up and meeting new people \u2013 we\u2019re hoping from a student perspective, it\u2019s a chance for them to connect with professionals.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Level 3 BTEC Construction and the Built Environment student Ellie Turner praised her tutor for encouraging Ellie to attend the event \u2013 given its focus on future employability \u2013 even though it clashed with teaching.<\/p>\n The opportunities on offer to future Leeds College of Building graduates were evident in the diverse mix of companies invited to attend by the event organisers, including Esh Group, Mace Group, Currie & Brown, Stantec, and DLG Architects.<\/p>\n Shortly after, a workshop by the Accession network focused on supporting people of colour in construction, unconscious bias in the industry, and inclusive architecture. Following a talk on inclusive outcomes in design and development by Gensler Architect Tegan Ramsey, attendees worked in groups to explore best practice around accessibility within construction planning.<\/p>\n Lack of diversity within the industry was another key topic discussed during the session, with event organisers highlighting a statistic from the Construction Industry Council that just 5.4% of construction workers in the UK are from a Black, Asian or ethnic minority background.<\/p>\n Accession network workshop organiser and founder of architecture and planning company +TwoThreeThree, Kwamena Beecham, said he saw \u201ca lack of representation\u201d as the main barrier affecting people of colour trying to break into the industry. He said:<\/p>\n \u201cThere are so few role models in the\u00a0industry from ethnically diverse backgrounds, so the industry\u00a0does not get the representation and coverage it deserves among these groups. Simply put, if you see somebody in a position\u00a0of leadership that looks like you, you are more likely to want to enter that\u00a0field.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n When asked what advice he would give to the next generation of people of colour who want to make it in the industry, Kwamena said:<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t give up! Things are changing and will continue to change. Don\u2019t give up on your dreams and don\u2019t give up on your passions. We need more dreamers!\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n On the same day, Leeds College of Building CEO & Principal Nikki Davis, along with Property Maintenance Apprentice Elyssa Marshall, participated in an expert panel discussion at UKREiiF. Alongside representatives from Leeds City Council, Leeds Trinity University, and Caddick Construction, Nikki and Elyssa gave their thoughts about attracting and retaining more talent in the construction sector. Nikki said:<\/p>\n \u201cWell done to our brilliant Leeds College of Building apprentices who attended the Leeds City Council session at UKREiiF discussing all things skills. We managed to get photos with the Championship trophy and Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire. Thanks also to Fiona Bolam and Gillian Wallace for organising.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n To top off an incredible week, Leeds College of Building\u2019s pivotal role in the UK\u2019s construction sector was highlighted in a key event speech made by\u00a0the Deputy Prime Minister. Outlining the government\u2019s ambitious housing and infrastructure agenda to tackle the UK\u2019s housing crisis, the Rt Hon Angela Rayner MP said:<\/p>\n \u201cToday, we don\u2019t have to look too far afield for inspiration. Just round the corner from this hall, the Leeds College of Building \u2013 the UK\u2019s only specialist construction college \u2013 is training the next generation of workers.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Find out more about training opportunities and apprenticeships at: www.lcb.ac.uk<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n\n
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