Early career professionals are encouraged to take part in CIHT’s Young Professionals Festival of Learning next week, which offers the chance to gain knowledge and contribute to debate around the future of the sector.

The five day festival features a varied programme of inspiring speakers and interactive sessions across five days, covering topics ranging from climate change to technology and future skills.

Employers keen to demonstrate their support for future skills and develop their young professionals are urged to encourage staff to join the festival, which takes place online from 19 to 23 October with content aligned to core competencies needed for career progression.

CIHT President Martin Tugwell said: “We are looking forward to welcoming our young professionals to the festival for what promises to be a fantastic week of learning. “From climate change to emerging technology and the skills that will be required, participants will hear valuable insights into the key developments and challenges that face the future of the sector. “The emerging generation of professionals has a crucial part to play in shaping the future,” he added. “We hope the festival will inform you, inspire you and provide a platform to share your own experiences and thinking.”

Latest speakers to be added are Highways England’s senior sustainable development and design adviser Kenneth Brodie – who will discuss designing networks for the future – and the company’s head of equality, diversity and inclusion and employee engagement Ron Calderwood-Duncan.

Further highlights will include a talk from the Mayor of Paris’ special envoy for smart cities Professor Carlos Moreno who will discuss thinking behind the ‘15 minute city’ concept, while barrister Alexandra Wilson will give a view from the legal sector on how to improve diversity and inclusion.

An interactive masterclass on ‘The Science of Storytelling’ with Richard Newman of communication specialist Body Talk will help participants learn how to transform complex ideas into clear, compelling messages, James Fernandes and Blayne Cahill of consultant Carrington West will offer insights on essential soft skills and Ros Taylor of RTC Leadership & Coaching will discuss ways to become more confident at work.

To view the full programme and to book your place at the festival, click here.

(Photographs: Laurie Lewis / Sylvain Leurent)