Construction professionals from across the region gathered in Cambridgeshire this month to learn how to take charge of their careers.

The LLL/CPD ‘Taking Charge of your Career’ event was the first of its kind to be held by RICS East of England and more than 20 construction professionals, in the early stages of their career, attended.

The conference provided an opportunity for delegates to develop their career-related transferable and networking skills to enable them to take charge of their career paths and set them apart from their peers.

Simon Bartley, chief executive of UK Skills, gave the keynote speech and delegates were offered further advice and tips during a series of specially tailored workshops covering key topic areas including presentation skills, career management and management skills and accreditation.

David Potter, RICS East operations manager, said: “This is the first time we have held an event of this kind in the region and it was great to see so many professionals from the built environment sector attend.

"We have received some great feedback from all the delegates. Many said they had found it an invaluable opportunity to network cross-sector and to take a pro-active approach to their future career development.

“Due to its success we are now looking at holding similar events in the future possibly linked with the region’s RICS matrics groups and APC activity.” 

Jon Lever, RICS Training Advisor, also attended the event to lead a workshop and offer further support and advice to the construction professionals.

The conference, held at Wyboston Lakes, concluded with a networking dinner, enabling all of those who had taken part in the day, to try out their newfound skills.

A business card draw was held during the dinner and was won by Daniel Powell of Castons, Rachel Bullen of Cheffins, Mary Chapman of Pinders, Fran Parkins of Plowman Craven and Tom Owen of Cheffins.