Construction Industry Forum: Building the Future Workforce
Join the Sussex Chamber of Commerce for our Construction Industry Forum, bringing together contractors, developers, engineers, architects, consultants, suppliers, educators and industry professionals from across the built environment.
This forum will explore one of the sector's most pressing questions:
How do we attract, develop and retain the skilled workforce the construction industry needs for the future?
Delivered in collaboration with the Institute of Technology at Crawley College, this event will focus on skills, apprenticeships and workforce development, with particular attention to opportunities within bricklaying, groundworks and other trades experiencing skills shortages.
Crawley College supports around 800 construction students each year and has built strong links with employers across a range of trades. Following the success of their recent construction employer breakfast event and a series of student achievements, including award-winning bricklaying students, the College is seeking to strengthen relationships with employers who can provide apprenticeship opportunities and help shape the future workforce.
This forum offers employers the chance to learn about current apprenticeship programmes, funding opportunities, skills initiatives and the practical benefits of engaging with local talent. It also provides a platform to influence training provision and connect directly with the next generation of construction professionals.
Alongside this workforce-focused theme, the forum will continue to explore the wider issues shaping construction across Sussex and the South East, including policy changes, sustainability requirements, supply chain challenges, innovation, technology and sector growth.
The event is an opportunity to:
- Explore current apprenticeship opportunities and funding support available to employers
- Understand the challenges and opportunities facing construction skills development
- Connect with award-winning students and local education providers
- Engage in discussions around workforce planning, recruitment and retention
- Build relationships with potential partners, suppliers, contractors and clients
- Learn from industry experts and successful apprenticeship employers
Through expert speakers, sector specialists, educators and industry leaders, attendees will gain practical insights, valuable connections and actionable solutions to help address workforce challenges while supporting the continued growth of the construction industry.
Key Topics Include:
- Construction skills shortages and workforce planning
- Apprenticeships and employer engagement
- Bricklaying, groundworks and specialist trade recruitment
- Apprenticeship funding and support available to employers
- Planning and development
- Sustainability and low-carbon construction methods
- Innovation, technology and digital construction
- Supply chain resilience and procurement
- Health, safety and regulatory updates
- Infrastructure investment and sector growth
Speakers will be announced and added to this page as they are confirmed, bringing a combination of industry expertise, practical experience and educational insight to each discussion.
The Sussex & Surrey Institute of Technology (SSIOT) building is located on Crawley College campus. It is a new regional hub for higher technical skills in engineering, construction and digital. It is a partnership between local colleges and universities, including Chichester College Group, working closely with employers to design courses that meet real industry needs.
There is no parking available on site. Parking is available nearby, such as Kingsgate Car Park.
Would You Like to Be a Speaker at One of Our Events?
Speaking at our events is a great way to raise your profile, showcase your expertise, and connect with potential customers and partners. It's an opportunity to position yourself as a trusted voice in your industry while increasing awareness of your business. We welcome speakers from all sectors and experience levels. If you have knowledge, insights, or a success story to share, we'd love to hear from you. Interested? Get in touch and help inspire our business community.
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