Inspiring the future initiative for schools
Inspiring the Future (ITF) was launched in 2012 with the backing of major business and teaching organisations. The goal was to let pupils hear first-hand about the world of work from industry professionals from a wide range of sectors.
Invitations to speak at schools have been traditionally extended to parents or local business people that have long-standing connections with the institution. With the ITF website, teachers have access to thousands of volunteers at the click of a button. Volunteers, ranging from apprentices to CEOs, pledge to give an hour a year to a state school or college to talk about their job and the education route they took to get there.
Talks take a variety of formats. Teachers can filter their searches by sector or specialism, choosing activities that range from career insights to getting an industry perspective on CV writing.
Allowing students access to people from a range of sectors has two major benefits:
- Students gain first-hand insights and make better informed decisions about their subjects and career path.
- Teachers gain a valuable understanding of many sectors of which they have little knowledge or experience.
This project was the Highly Commended Winner, Innovation in Education and Training Award, CIOB International Innovation and Research Award, 2014.
The Judges said, "This initiative specifically reaches out to experienced professionals at various locations within the construction industry, and brings their experience, expertise and excitement about the sector into the school environment. Young people can hence be inspired to pursue their future career in the construction industry. ‘Inspiring the future’ recognises that one of the most significant issues facing the construction industry at the moment is its failure to market itself to school children.”
--CIOB
Featured articles and news
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch up for free, subscribe and share with your network.
The Association of Consultant Architects recap
A reintroduction and recap of ACA President; Patrick Inglis' Autumn update.
The Home Energy Model and its wrappers
From SAP to HEM, EPC for MEES and FHS assessment wrappers.
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.
Delayed, derailed and devalued
How the UK’s planning crisis is undermining British manufacturing.
How much does it cost to build a house?
A brief run down of key considerations from a London based practice.
The need for a National construction careers campaign
Highlighted by CIOB to cut unemployment, reduce skills gap and deliver on housing and infrastructure ambitions.
AI-Driven automation; reducing time, enhancing compliance
Sustainability; not just compliance but rethinking design, material selection, and the supply chains to support them.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation In the Built Environment
New CIOB Technical Information Sheet by Colin Booth, Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure.
Turning Enquiries into Profitable Construction Projects
Founder of Develop Coaching and author of Building Your Future; Greg Wilkes shares his insights.
IHBC Signpost: Poetry from concrete
Scotland’s fascinating historic concrete and brutalist architecture with the Engine Shed.
Demonstrating that apprenticeships work for business, people and Scotland’s economy.
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.