The next generation of construction leaders from across the world gathered online last week alongside employers, academics and industry professionals for the launch of the Chartered Institute of Building’s (CIOB) Tomorrow’s Leaders community.
More than 600 people from 36 countries signed up to the two-day launch event, during which they heard from speakers including academics, industry leaders and members of the Tomorrow’s Leaders Community on topics ranging from apprenticeships, professional development and diversity & inclusion.
Following a welcome speech from CIOB CEO, Caroline Gumble, the event was opened by Sir Clive Woodward, England’s 2003 Rugby Union World Cup winning head coach, who spoke about the attributes of champions based on his personal experiences in business and sport.
CIOBs Tomorrow’s Leaders community is aimed at all members to provide them with access to an integrated professional network of industry specialists, personal, technical and managerial learning and development opportunities, a platform to voice views on the future of the built environment, and the opportunity to request or contribute to resources and services to promote the built environment.
A Steppingstones program is also being introduced to provide Tomorrow’s Leaders with tagged activities and resources to support their progression to CIOB chartered membership.
Caroline Gumble, CEO at CIOB, said: “One of my priorities is support for CIOB’s Tomorrow’s Leaders community. We want this growing, inclusive, global community to provide support and resources for members at every career stage including those who are starting to make their way in their construction career – and we want the early career professionals to inspire and support innovation where they can. Our online launch event was just the start in bringing our Tomorrow’s Leaders to a wider audience, further growing the community and ensuring they can positively influence the industry and the Institute.”
Samuel Frimpong was one of the attendees at the launch event. He said: “I have chosen to join the Tomorrow’s Leaders (TL) Community because it represents a critical mass of like-minded young people who have the goal of promoting the value of the construction industry. I hope to use the TL platform as an avenue to make a global impact in how the construction industry achieves good health and well-being for its workers. The TL launch event is one of the highlights of my year as it has helped me to obtain a practical understanding of the industry’s role in other critical issues such as sustainability and equity, diversity and inclusion.”
