On Thursday 26th September, G4C held their 2024 Conference, focussing on ‘Shaping the Future Now: Young Professionals Taking the Lead’. The event was well attended by young professionals from across the industry who came to explore the actions they can take right now to deliver a better future for construction.
The conference was an amazing event, bringing together the next generation of construction and the built environment to talk about some great topics in regard to ‘Future Delivery, Future Society & Future Climate’.
My key take away was that the future of our industry is bright and I am confident that our future leaders care. Change takes time but I believe our future leaders are ready for the challenge. It is time to stop just talking about change and begin delivering tangible changes that will make our industry better to work in, not only for ourselves but those coming after us.
Many thanks to all the panellists, organisers and attendees of this great event, including my wonderful Co-Chair Lydia who helped us put on a great event.
Jack Cook, G4C National Co-Chair
Panels
Future Climate
The panel agreed that there are a several barriers to achieving net zero targets, two of the most crucial being communication and education. These can both be great enablers but will continue to act as barriers if we don’t make them a priority.
It is important that the next generation’s voices are heard, particularly when it comes to climate action, as they have a vested interest in delivering the future they want to see. Communication between all industry parties needs to be used effectively to enable collaboration and more efficient and sustainable project delivery.
We also need to ensure we educate all stakeholders on the importance, cost and achievability of decarbonised projects. Clients don’t know what they don’t know, we need to help them understand their options and impact to enable them to be part of a more positive future.
Future Delivery
The key takeaway from this session was the need for a move away from the ‘way we’ve always done it’ mentality.
Doing this will enable progress in all areas of project delivery, from assessments, benchmarking and reporting to the adoption of new technology and techniques, i.e. AI, digital twins, etc.
While the next generation may lead the way on this, it’s important for everyone within the industry to be upskilled and grow in order to keep up with the ever-changing needs of the industry.
Collaboration and cooperation with all involved in construction is needed to enable a cultural shift to occur and enable a better future for the delivery of projects.
Future Society
Today’s society is diverse, the industry has a duty to provide for this. Therefore, construction needs to rise to the challenge of delivering projects that are inclusive and accessible to all.
In order to deliver these projects, construction needs to continue growing its diverse workforce and increase inclusivity. The industry needs to reflect the society it serves to best meet its needs.
For this we need to improve perceptions of construction and develop a better awareness of the opportunities the industry can offer.
We need to educate those outside the industry, starting with young people, about construction to create desirability for the wide range of roles within the industry.
Sponsors and Exhibitors
A huge thanks to the sponsors and exhibitors that supported the G4C Conference 2024 and helped to make it possible.
Get Involved
To find out more about G4C, visit the G4C section of our website, or get in touch with G4C or Constructing Excellence to discuss further opportunities for engagement.
