Sacyr attended the CITB Skills and Training Conference held at St David's Hotel in Cardiff Bay

On 23rd January, members of the Sacyr Community Benefits team attended an industry event aimed to bring together organisations within the construction sector along with the skills and training network across Wales. It served as a platform to discuss vital topics such as:

• Funding and grants for staff development and upskilling: How organisations can access financial support to train and develop their workforce, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary skills for current and future demands in construction.
• Overcoming recruitment barriers: Addressing the skills gap in the industry and the challenges faced in attracting and retaining talent, with solutions for making the sector more appealing to a diverse range of job seekers.
• The future landscape of construction: Exploring trends and innovations in construction, including sustainability practices, digitalisation, and the impact of evolving technologies on the industry.
• Mental health and neurodiversity in the workplace: Fostering an inclusive environment that supports mental well-being and neurodiverse individuals, ensuring construction workplaces are welcoming, supportive, and productive for everyone.
• Delivering social value through the supply chain: How businesses can use their supply chains to drive social impact, from promoting local job creation to enhancing community involvement through social initiatives.

Additionally, there were ample opportunities for networking and engaging with various stakeholders providing support in these areas, such as Go Construct, Careers Wales, and representatives from further education institutions. Attendees were able to discuss how to work together to address the skills shortages and align their training strategies with industry needs.

The event saw an impressive turnout, with 170 attendees from the construction sector and related fields coming together. The conference provided a great space to learn from others, share best practices, and gain valuable insight into improving the way businesses approach challenges, streamline operations, and meet key targets. The exchange of ideas and experiences made it clear that collaboration across organisations is key to addressing the pressing challenges of recruitment, training, and development in the industry.

Picture below, from left to right:

Tim Balcon, CEO, CITB

Deborah Madden, Executive Director, CITB

Danny Clarke, Engagement Director, CITB

Katie Hathaway, Stakeholder Engagement and Community Benefits Manager, Sacyr UK

Julia Stevens, Engagement Director Wales, CITB