The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has launched CIOB Aspire – a new initiative designed to inspire and support people who are considering a career in construction.
CIOB Aspire is open to individuals aged 14 to 19, as well as those interested in a career change, looking to take their first steps in the industry.
A new digital space has been created to signpost to useful resources and websites, including:
- Information on the range of roles in construction, apprenticeships, CIOB accredited courses, and where to get started
- Industry insights including blogs and videos from some of CIOB’s Tomorrow’s Leaders community
- Links to support finding early career opportunities through CIOB Jobs or CIOB company members
- Information for CIOB members, parents, employers and educators on how to support a career in construction
- Useful website links for CIOB partners and other organisations working in the early careers space.
CIOB will add more information to the digital platform over the coming months, including new marketing resources aimed at students, educators, parents and employers.
Collaborative approach
As well as the digital resources, CIOB is also collaborating with partners and organisations already working in the early careers space to provide opportunities for this audience, and will continue to explore further partnerships.
CIOB members and industry professionals in the UK and Northern Ireland can sign up as construction ambassadors through the STEM Ambassador Scheme, providing a safe platform to connect with educators and 14 to 19-year-olds in schools and colleges.
Sophie Cox, product owner – Tomorrow’s Leaders at CIOB, said: “The construction sector continues to face a skills shortage, with an ongoing need to increase the pipeline of future talent entering the industry.
“Inspiring and educating individuals around the broad range of opportunities and career paths available is of upmost importance, whilst at the same time challenging some of the misconceptions that exist.
“We are delighted to be launching CIOB Aspire, which aims to do just that by providing information, resources and opportunities to support those looking to take their first steps into a career in construction and the built environment, whilst also supporting parents, teachers, careers advisers, employers and CIOB members too.”
Engaging with the next generation
Earlier this year, as part of the focus on early careers, CIOB relaunched its Think Construction Toolkit, consisting of lesson plans, interactive activities and presentation templates to support construction ambassadors and teachers engaging with 14 to 19-year-olds. Over-18s can sign up to access the toolkit here.
In July, CIOB signed up as a partner for Open Doors 2026. Delivered by Build UK from 23-28 March, the event will help to showcase the range of careers available in the construction industry.
CIOB has also become a social mobility partner with Speakers for Schools, and recently provided three engagement activity sessions with Charters School in Sunningdale, Berkshire.
