Cole Brothers hosts industry-led careers expo
More than 500 students gathered in Sheffield last week as the city’s property and construction sector took direct action to address the growing skills shortage.
FORM, a new industry-led careers expo, was hosted at Cole Brothers - the former John Lewis building at Barkers Pool which Urban Splash has been appointed to redevelop. The event formed part of a series of interim uses designed to bring the landmark building back into public life, while also spotlighting the future of the built environment workforce.
At a time when employers across construction, engineering and property are grappling with recruitment and retention challenges, FORM set out to rethink how the sector engages with emerging talent. Targeting college and university students and recent graduates aged 16–25, the one-day event aimed to demystify career pathways into architecture, construction, engineering, planning, project management, design and the trades.
FORM was created by Sheffield-based brand agency Peter & Paul in collaboration with employers, educators and industry partners, and was supported by the Sheffield Property Association. Delivery partners included Sheffield City Council, Urban Splash, Turner & Townsend, CMS, Pinders, Nineteen47, Homes by Honey, Studio Jim, Chapter II and Influence.
Kat Holland, Managing Director of Peter & Paul, said the event was intentionally designed to challenge outdated approaches: “Traditional careers fairs no longer reflect how young people actually find their way into work. FORMbrought students face to face with people doing the jobs - sharing real career journeys and practical insight to make routes into the built environment clearer and more accessible.
"There were no corporate stands, no CV drop-offs and no formal networking queues. Instead, the programme focused on short talks, guided activities and open conversations, connecting young people directly with professionals working across the built environment."
Rebecca Knight, Director of the Sheffield Property Association added: “Employers across Sheffield and around the country are facing real talent pressures. At the same time, there’s a misconception that ambitious careers in property and construction only happen in larger cities. That simply isn’t the case.
“FORM demonstrated the breadth of opportunity available here in Sheffield and showed what’s possible when employers, educators and the wider industry work together to grow local talent.”
With more than 500 attendees and strong engagement from industry partners, organisers said the event marked an important step in building a sustainable talent pipeline for Sheffield’s built environment.
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