About this Event
Construction Summit & Careers Fair 2026
West Midlands 2035: Building the Region of the Future
📍 University College Birmingham
📅 Friday 12 June 2026
Sponsored by: West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), Wickes, SIPS, University College Birmingham, Birmingham City University, Dudley College, OM Group, NOCN, Midland Heart, Leceister College, United Infrastructure, Marrons and South & City College Birmingham.
Where Strategy Meets the Next Generation
Now in its third year, the Construction Summit & Careers Fair brings together industry leaders, local authorities, educators, employers and emerging talent to shape the future of construction in the West Midlands.
This high-impact event connects strategy with opportunity bringing two audiences together for one shared future.
Hosted by Santina Bunting - Arup
Dynamic, engaging and passionate about diversity in construction, Santina will guide the day’s discussions and keep the energy high throughout the Summit and Careers Fair — ensuring every conversation counts.
The Professional Summit
Four strategic panel discussions will explore the major forces shaping construction across the region:
Panel 1: Building Social Value – Construction as a Community Catalyst
Chair: Emma Rhymes (Winvic)
Panelists:
- Jayne Hanson, Birmingham City Council
- Siu Mun Li, Constructing Siu-lutions
- John McKeon, Dudley College of Technology
- Connie Collett, Wickes
How can projects create lasting community impact through jobs, apprenticeships and inclusive growth?
Panel 2: Building the West Midlands – Where Are the Opportunities for the Next Generation?
Chair: Simon Delahunty-Forrest (Birmingham City Council)
Panelists:
- Dave Browne, Pareto Projects
- Damini Sharma, OM Group
- Brian Mullin, Marrons
- Eddie Wrench, Birmingham City Council
- Eddie Hughes, Hughes Housing (Former UK Housing Minister)
What must change to unlock opportunity and deliver the homes and infrastructure the region needs?
Panel 3: Bridging the Skills Gap – Building a Future-Ready Workforce
Chair: Prof Rosa Wells (University College Birmingham)
Panelists:
- Prof Mohammad Mayouf, Birmingham City University
- Fiona Aldridge, Skills Federation
- Charlene Wall, Wood Manor Properties
- Mark Harrison, CIOB
Who will build the region of 2035 — and how do we prepare them now?
Panel 4: Construction 2035 – Technology, Net Zero and the Future of Building
Chair: Dr Carol Massey
Panelists:
- Dr Bola Abisogun OBE, Digital Twin Skills Academy
- Khumerha, Pareto (BTF Alumni Co-Chair)
- Mark Beardmore, Jacobs
- David Philp, Bentley
- George Simms, WMCA
How do we ensure the West Midlands leads in sustainable and digital construction, rather than simply keeping up?
The Careers Fair – A Live Talent Pipeline
Running alongside the Summit, the Careers Fair offers 200 students from 12 secondary schools the chance to:
✔ Take part in interactive workshops
✔ Connect directly with employers and training providers
✔ Explore apprenticeship and career routes
✔ Discover real-life tools, technologies and earning potential
This is not a static exhibition — it’s active engagement with the next generation of builders, designers and innovators.
Joint Inspirational Session
What They Don’t Tell You About the Construction Sector
Led by Sachin Parmar, Rapleys LLP
Students and professionals come together for a refreshingly honest exploration of:
- The real opportunities across the construction sector
- Career progression and earning potential
- The vital role young people will play in shaping the region’s future
Who Should Attend?
Industry Professionals
Exchange insights, build partnerships and align with the West Midlands 2035 vision.
Exhibitors & Employers
Connect with 200 students at a crucial decision-making stage and strengthen your social value impact.
Educators
Deliver meaningful employer engagement aligned with Gatsby Benchmarks.
Why It Matters
The West Midlands faces growing housing demand, workforce challenges and rapid technological change.
This summit is your opportunity to collaborate with those shaping the sector — and those who will inherit it.
One day. Two audiences. One shared future.
Exhibition Opportunities Available
Showcase your organisation, engage future talent and demonstrate leadership in shaping the built environment.
📩 To exhibit or enquire: [email protected]
🌐 buildingthefutureawards.co.uk
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
McIntyre House (University College Birmingham), 2 Holland Street, Birmingham, United Kingdom
GBP 0.00
