Join construction employers from across Cornwall for a focused and practical forum exploring the latest skills and employment news.

Skills • Training • Apprenticeships • Talent Pipeline • Networking

Join construction employers from across Cornwall for a focused and practical forum exploring the latest developments in skills, training, apprenticeships and workforce planning.

The construction sector continues to face significant challenges around recruitment, retention and skills shortages. This event will bring together employers, training providers and industry stakeholders to share insights, explore solutions and strengthen the sector's future talent pipeline.

Whether you're a large contractor, SME, subcontractor or specialist employer, this event offers an opportunity to hear the latest intelligence, learn about support available to your business and network with industry peers.

What You’ll Hear About:

• Latest constructions skills and labour market insights

• Key findings from the Cornwall Construction Skills Deep Dive Report and Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) research

• Training and workforce development opportunities available to employers

• Apprenticeship funding, support and employer incentives

• Industry placements and future talent pipelines

• An inspiring keynote from Brian Berry (CEO of the Federation of Master Builders)

• Practical discussions and employer networking

Who should attend?

• Construction employers

• Contractors and subcontractors

• SME construction businesses

• Housing and infrastructure organisations

• Supply chain employers

• HR, recruitment and workforce development professionals

• Training and education partners

Why attend?

• Stay informed about emerging skills challenges.

• Understand the support available to your business.

• Discover new training and recruitment opportunities.

• Influence future skills provision in Cornwall.

• Expand your professional network.

Venue

The Gallery, Eden Project

Bodelva, Cornwall

The Gallery offers a unique and inspiring setting overlooking the iconic Eden Project Biomes, providing the perfect environment for collaboration, discussion and networking.

Included in Your Booking:

• Networking breakfast

• Tea, coffee and refreshments

• Full event programme

• Networking opportunities with employers and sector partners

Places are limited and early booking is recommended.

A G E N D A:

Tuesday 22 September 2026

Venue: Eden Project, The Gallery

Time: 08:30 – 13:00

08:30 – 09:15

Registration, Breakfast & Networking

Tea, coffee, breakfast rolls and an opportunity to connect with fellow employers, training providers and sector partners.

09:15 – 09:25

Welcome and Opening Remarks

Chair's welcome and overview of the morning.

09:25 – 09:55

The Construction Skills Landscape in Cornwall

Key findings from recent Cornwall Council sector deep dive and Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) research, including:

• Current and future workforce challenges

• Occupations in demand

• Recruitment and retention trends

• Implications for employers

09:55 – 10:20

Headline Speaker

Brian Berry

Brian is the Chief Executive of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), the largest trade association for SME building companies in the building industry. He is also a member of the Construction Leadership Council (CLC).

10:20 – 10:40

Training Provision Update

Local training providers showcase their latest employer offer, including:

• Upskilling and workforce development

• Technical qualifications

• Short courses and commercial training

• Emerging provision aligned to employer demand

10:40 – 10:55

Refreshment Break & Networking

10:55 – 11:20

Apprenticeships: What Employers Need to Know

Updates on:

• Apprenticeship funding

• Current incentives and support

• Recruitment opportunities

• Best practice employer examples

11:20 – 11:45

Building the Talent Pipeline

Industry placements, T Levels and work experience opportunities:

• Benefits to employers

• How to get involved

• Supporting future talent into the sector

11:45 – 12:15

Employer Discussion Panel & Q&A

A practical discussion with employers on:

• Recruitment challenges

• Skills priorities

• Successful workforce development approaches

12:15 – 13:00

Networking Lunch and Close

Opportunity to connect with employers, providers and support organisations.

Description supplied by the event organiser.