Empowering the Future: CIOB's vision for lifelong learning, upscaling, and reskilling in the built environment
In an era where the landscape of the built environment is rapidly evolving, the emphasis on upscaling, reskilling, and lifelong learning has become a pivotal aspect of sustained growth. Recognising this imperative need, the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) took a pioneering stance years ago to champion professional development in response to members and industry demands.
The CIOB's proactive approach has been to invest significantly in training and education, envisioning a future where individuals and companies thrive through continuous learning. By doing so, the institute not only addresses the immediate needs of its members but also contributes to the long-term success of the built environment industry.
This forward-thinking strategy is aimed at influencing and encouraging organisations to prioritise investing in training and education, ultimately resulting in substantial career advancements and increased earning potentials. The CIOB understands that lifelong learning is not just an individual endeavour but a collective investment in the future.
By emphasising upscaling and reskilling, the CIOB not only helps individuals shape their careers but also aids businesses in boosting productivity and improving the quality of their products and services. The interconnectedness of lifelong learning and professional development with business success is at the core of the institute's mission.
The creation of the CIOB Academy stands as a testament to the institute's dedication to fostering excellence. It has become the go-to platform for individuals and companies alike, seeking to navigate the ever-changing landscape of the built environment. Through a comprehensive array of training courses, CPDs, and publications, the Academy ensures that professionals are equipped with the latest skills and knowledge necessary for the future.
Dr. Gina Al-Talal, Head of Technical and Standards, proudly emphasises that the CIOB Academy has made over 200 webinars available on the CPD portal . In addition to a variety of publications ranging from codes of practices, guides, and technical information sheets, where we cover topics for both practitioners and academics at all levels. These materials span subjects such as sustainability, quality, health and safety, innovations, digitalization, and more. The commitment to providing valuable resources continues, with plans to expand on these topics to fulfil the Academy's mission.
Despite the challenges, SMEs remain at the heart of our organisation. While we aspire to see increased funding and support from the Government, we actively encourage and offer training and learning opportunities for SMEs. We delivered dedicated Quality Planning, digitalisation, and temporary work technical information sheets as well and many webinars and projects site visits in addition to training courses. It is our belief that by investing time and effort in learning and development, SMEs can not only navigate the evolving industry landscape, but also contribute significantly to its growth and innovation.
As the CIOB continues to lead the charge in upscaling, reskilling, and lifelong learning, it not only shapes the careers of individuals but also contributes to the resilience and innovation of the entire industry. In the CIOB Academy, we witness a tangible commitment to creating a sustainable future where knowledge is not only valued but actively cultivated for the betterment of the built environment. The result is a transformative journey that helps individuals shape their future, businesses thrive, and the industry advance towards new heights of excellence.
This article was issued via press release as "Empowering the Future: CIOB's Vision for Lifelong Learning, Upscaling, and Reskilling in the Built Environment", dated March 8, 2023 and was written by Dr. Gina Al-Talal, Head of Technical and Standards.
--CIOB
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- 70-20-10 learning model.
- A Guide to Managing Safety Critical Elements in Building Construction.
- Building conservation; meaning, understanding and implementation.
- Building Safety Act Awareness course launched.
- CIOB accepted onto register of end-point assessment organisations.
- CIOB Building Performance and Evaluation Guide.
- Competence framework for project managers in the built environment launched
- Construction professional.
- Continuing professional development.
- Digital Transformation for SMEs: Unlocking the Benefits.
- Flexible courses for lifelong learning.
- Guide to sustainability in the built environment. Learning.
- Professional.
- Recognised prior learning.
- Revalidation.
- The impact of pandemic and new legislation on academy training courses.
Featured articles and news
A case study and a warning to would-be developers
Creating four dwellings... after half a century of doing this job, why, oh why, is it so difficult?
Reform of the fire engineering profession
Fire Engineers Advisory Panel: Authoritative Statement, reactions and next steps.
Restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster
A complex project of cultural significance from full decant to EMI, opportunities and a potential a way forward.
Apprenticeships and the responsibility we share
Perspectives from the CIOB President as National Apprentice Week comes to a close.
The first line of defence against rain, wind and snow.
Building Safety recap January, 2026
What we missed at the end of last year, and at the start of this...
National Apprenticeship Week 2026, 9-15 Feb
Shining a light on the positive impacts for businesses, their apprentices and the wider economy alike.
Applications and benefits of acoustic flooring
From commercial to retail.
From solid to sprung and ribbed to raised.
Strengthening industry collaboration in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Institute of Construction and The Chartered Institute of Building sign Memorandum of Understanding.
A detailed description from the experts at Cornish Lime.
IHBC planning for growth with corporate plan development
Grow with the Institute by volunteering and CP25 consultation.
Connecting ambition and action for designers and specifiers.
Electrical skills gap deepens as apprenticeship starts fall despite surging demand says ECA.
Built environment bodies deepen joint action on EDI
B.E.Inclusive initiative agree next phase of joint equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) action plan.
Recognising culture as key to sustainable economic growth
Creative UK Provocation paper: Culture as Growth Infrastructure.



























