solving workforce & social value challenges

CAREERS

Library career pathways are diverse, ranging from public-facing and academic roles to specialised areas like archives, digital curation, data librarianship, and law, with progression to management or focusing on specific skills like cataloguing and metadata.

BUSINESS

Libraries Unlimited is a charity dedicated to enriching lives and communities through the power of libraries. IIE co-created a project to redesign Exeter's Children's Library to directly meet local needs and promote careers in the built environment, and a flagship event designed to grow literacy, wellbeing, education outreach and library membership.

INDUSTRY

Following a questionnaire open to all children across the wider Exeter area, a group of local construction companies and Libraries Unlimited used feedback to inform the design process, which secured funding to become a reality. IIE also devised a multi-venue festival concept and engineered a partnership with Aardman and local partners.

CAREERS

Did you know whether you’re looking for something flexible, opportunities to work from home or a role more hands-on, Kier has a wide range of roles available nationwide, including trades and operatives, commercial and project management, corporate functions, engineering and design, apprenticeships and degree apprenticeships, graduates and placements.

BUSINESS

Kier is a leading provider of construction, infrastructure and property developments in the UK, with a commitment to leaving lasting legacies in the communities they serve. Every day, 10,000 colleagues across sites, depots and offices are working to deliver infrastructure which is vital to the UK.

INDUSTRY

The UK construction sector stands at a pivotal crossroads as the government outlines ambitious plans to revitalise the economy and accelerate infrastructure development. With the economy still recovering from years of turbulence, the government is focused on fixing the challenges left behind and delivering real change for working people - a promise resonating strongly within the construction industry.

CAREERS

Did you know that finding a career in the first year after release reduces reoffending? But too often, one of the most loyal, resilient, and untapped talent pools is overlooked by employers: prison leavers. Changing perceptions of prisons, prison leavers and engaging new and underrepresented employers is key to increasing career opportunities on release and reducing reoffending.

BUSINESS

Taylor Wimpey plc is a leading national housebuilder, developing high-quality residential properties and managing the entire homebuilding process from initial site acquisition to after-sales service. Their doors are open to everyone from all backgrounds, from new starters to career changers and returners, on-site and off. They don’t just build houses, they build careers, and if you thought house building was all about hard hats and high vis – think again!

INDUSTRY

The house building industry is facing a mix of challenges and opportunities, with labour shortages, rising costs, and a push for sustainability creating hurdles, while a forecast of economic growth and government investment in housing and infrastructure offers potential for recovery and expansion.

CAREERS

Did you know the roofing and cladding sector offers more than a dozen specialist career pathways, including slating, tiling, flat roofing, sheeting and cladding, waterproofing, solar installation, heritage work, green roofing, estimating, site supervision, and technical inspection? Many routes now link directly to retrofit, sustainability, and modern construction careers.

BUSINESS

Founded in Co Cavan, Ireland in 1965, Kingspan has grown organically and by acquisition to be the global leader in high-performance insulation and a diverse range of building envelope products. Their Irish heritage and culture are enriched by their international, diverse network of people. They are committed to creating new technologies and products that transform the way they design and build in a relentless pursuit of better building performance and being People and Planet Passionate in everything they do. Look out for more details about our 2026-2027 graduate recruitment campaign.

INDUSTRY

New industry data shows persistent recruitment difficulties across roofing and cladding, with many employers reporting hard-to-fill vacancies for qualified operatives, supervisors and technical specialists. These challenges have been amplified by an ageing workforce, post-pandemic attrition, limited training capacity, regional labour shortages and the increasing complexity of building safety and retrofit standards. In response, trade bodies such as NFRC are prioritising workforce renewal, competence frameworks, modern training approaches and employer engagement—but sustained investment is needed to secure the future workforce the sector requires.

CAREERS

Did you know there are 5 specialisms with multiple career pathways at Cormac across highways, environment, arboriculture, infrastructure and aggregates?

BUSINESS

Cormac is a leading civil engineering contractor providing a wide range of specialist services and is one of the largest employers in Cornwall. Attracting and retaining diverse talent is at the core of Cormac’s career strategy, with recruiting in schools and colleges and offering in-house training, apprenticeships, and graduate schemes to draw in skilled employees from across Cornwall, the UK, and the world.

INDUSTRY

The construction industry is facing a mix of challenges and opportunities, with labour shortages, rising costs, and a push for sustainability creating hurdles, while a forecast of economic growth and government investment in housing and infrastructure offers potential for recovery and expansion.

CAREERS

Did you know that there are 180 different job roles in construction? With a variety of entry levels and excellent promotion pathways the industry offers well-paid and reliable careers for Torbay people, enabling them to build a brighter, more sustainable future.

BUSINESS

Build Torbay, funded by Torbay Council, was established to inspire a future workforce to take up rewarding careers in construction, many unseen, and maximise the benefits of Torbay’s transformational regeneration projects for the local community. Build Torbay works with stakeholders, partners and construction businesses to:

Inspire people of all ages to pursue a rewarding career in construction,

Strengthen the construction sector in Torbay by supporting and connecting businesses with the knowledge, skills and opportunities they need to grow.

Support Torbay by maximising Social Value commitments and acting as a united voice for the Construction sector locally

INDUSTRY

The construction industry is facing a mix of challenges and opportunities, with labour shortages, rising costs, and a push for sustainability creating hurdles, while a forecast of economic growth and government investment in housing and infrastructure offers potential for recovery and expansion.

CAREERS

Did you know that there are 180 different job roles in construction? With a variety of entry levels and excellent promotion pathways, the industry offers well-paid and reliable careers for Torbay people, enabling them to build a brighter, more sustainable future.

BUSINESS

CITB is the industry training board for the construction industry in England, Scotland and Wales. The CITB’s purpose is to support the construction industry to have a skilled, competent and inclusive workforce, now and in the future.

INDUSTRY

The CITB forecasts that the UK construction workforce will grow to around 2.75 million by 2029. The overall number of extra workers needed for the 2025 – 2029 period is estimated at 47,860 per year, which is equivalent to 1.8% of the 2024 workforce. This means the UK construction industry needs to recruit the equivalent of 239,300 extra workers over the next five years.

CAREERS

Did you know there are over 20 career pathways in roofing, including administration, HR, accounts, social value, quantity surveying, estimating, design, technical, site management, contract management, health & safety, site operative, site supervisor, procurement, marketing and business development?

BUSINESS

Operating for over 40 years, Juniper Training Ltd is one of the UK’s most experienced providers of training and Apprenticeships, including Roofing Apprenticeships with the Team in the West Midlands.

INDUSTRY

The roofing industry is facing a mix of challenges and opportunities, with labour shortages, rising costs, and a push for sustainability creating hurdles, while a forecast of economic growth and government investment in housing and infrastructure offers potential for recovery and expansion.

CAREERS

Did you know the CIOB advocate for promoting construction as a STEM field with varied roles (project management, digital, health & safety) beyond just site work, equal to university degrees, and call for built environment GCSEs to improve awareness and skills?

BUSINESS

The CIOB is a leading international professional body for those working in and leading the construction industry. They offer a range of services including membership, professional development, qualifications, and resources to support individuals and organisations in shaping the future of the built environment, driving innovation, sustainability, and ethical practices. 

INDUSTRY

The UK construction sector stands at a pivotal crossroads as the government outlines ambitious plans to revitalise the economy and accelerate infrastructure development. With the economy still recovering from years of turbulence, the government is focused on fixing the challenges left behind and delivering real change for working people - a promise resonating strongly within the construction industry.

CAREERS

Did you know there are over 20 career pathways at Progressive, including administration, HR, accounts, social value, quantity surveying, estimating, design, technical, site management, contract management, health & safety, site operative, site supervisor, procurement, marketing and business development?

BUSINESS

Operating for 30+ years, Progressive knows a thing or two about commercial roofing and cladding, working with leading construction companies, architects and property groups in the south west. As a leading contractor, their training schemes provide opportunities for local people, ensuring continuity in well-trained, skilled labour for the sector.

INDUSTRY

The roofing industry is facing a mix of challenges and opportunities, with labour shortages, rising costs, and a push for sustainability creating hurdles, while a forecast of economic growth and government investment in housing and infrastructure offers potential for recovery and expansion.

CAREERS

Did you know the roofing and cladding sector offers more than a dozen specialist career pathways, including slating, tiling, flat roofing, sheeting and cladding, waterproofing, solar installation, heritage work, green roofing, estimating, site supervision, and technical inspection? Many routes now link directly to retrofit, sustainability, and modern construction careers.

BUSINESS

Roofing businesses play a critical role in ensuring buildings remain safe, weather-tight, energy-efficient and future-ready. From small specialist contractors to national firms, the sector delivers vital work across housing, commercial buildings, infrastructure and net-zero programmes. Increasingly, roofing companies are integrating digital tools, improved quality assurance, and upskilled workforces to meet rising standards.

INDUSTRY

New industry data shows persistent recruitment difficulties across roofing and cladding, with many employers reporting hard-to-fill vacancies for qualified operatives, supervisors and technical specialists. These challenges have been amplified by an ageing workforce, post-pandemic attrition, limited training capacity, regional labour shortages and the increasing complexity of building safety and retrofit standards. In response, trade bodies such as NFRC are prioritising workforce renewal, competence frameworks, modern training approaches and employer engagement - but sustained investment is needed to secure the future workforce the sector requires.

CAREERS

Did you know the creative industries span design, media, performance, and technology, covering roles from hands-on artists to technical specialists. Key sectors include film/TV, gaming, advertising, publishing, fashion, and architecture, with popular jobs like graphic designers, animators, producers, copywriters, and curators.

BUSINESS

The Backstage Centre stood out as a premier national training hub dedicated to nurturing creative and cultural skills. The impressive facility was not only home to Acme Studios for artists but also offered extensive resources for those in the entertainment industry.

INDUSTRY

The creative industries in the UK are experiencing significant challenges with recruitment, primarily driven by a sharp rise in skills shortages and a "tough" environment for entry-level roles. While the sector has seen overall growth in employment, it is facing a paradox of high demand for talent alongside a shrinking pool of accessible, entry-level jobs.

CAREERS

Did you know there are hundreds of careers in event power and production encompassing a wide range of technical and managerial roles dedicated to the planning, setup, and execution of live events, from concerts and festivals to corporate conferences and exhibitions. These roles are focused on providing the necessary infrastructure, such as electricity, lighting, audio-visual (AV) systems, and staging, to create seamless, high-impact experiences.

BUSINESS

Energy Management Solutions Ltd are specialists in event power services designed to keep operations running smoothly, offering career pathways in project management to engineering teams, across the UK and abroad. With more than 30 years’ experience, they provide end-to-end temporary and fixed power services, from generator hire and battery-storage systems to cable, distribution hire and site lighting.

INDUSTRY

A critical challenge has emerged across the UK events industry – staff shortages across the sector, a situation placing increasing pressure on venues, organisers, and suppliers. From weddings to large-scale conferences, from sporting fixtures to luxury brand activations, the demand for trained, capable event professionals has never been higher. For those considering a career in events, this presents a rare and timely opportunity to step into an industry actively seeking skilled professionals.

CAREERS

Did you know that civil engineering branches into specialisms like Structural, Geotechnical, Transportation, Environmental, and Water Resources, leading to diverse roles in Construction Management, Design, Consulting, and Sustainable Infrastructure, with new paths emerging constantly in areas like Smart Cities and Data-Driven Design?

BUSINESS

University of Exeter is a world-leading UK university, part of the prestigious Russell Group, offering research and teaching across three campuses in the South West. IIE booked employers and transported students into working environments they had never experienced before through 16 newly shot 360º films and virtual reality headsets.

INDUSTRY

The civil engineering industry is experiencing significant recruitment struggles as demand for skilled professionals outpaces the supply of new graduates and experienced workers. This is driven by increasing infrastructure needs, an ageing workforce, and a limited pipeline of new engineers, making it challenging for firms to find qualified candidates, especially mid-level ones.

CAREERS

Did you know there are 27 specialist career pathways in the Royal Marines as a Commando or Officer including assault engineer, heavy weapon specialist, swimmer, canoeist, medic, mountain leader, commando logistics, intelligence or communications officer? 

BUSINESS

Royal Marines are an elite amphibious commando force, operating on the frontline of combat and humanitarian aid operations. Capable of responding rapidly and moving stealthily from sea to land, they are not your typical soldier. They are multi-skilled, highly trained, integral to the Royal Navy, capable of deploying globally on their own or with the Navy's support.

INDUSTRY

New data from the Ministry of Defence confirms recruitment pressures across the Armed Forces have persisted for several years with far fewer recruits being trained, especially since the pandemic. In response, ministers pledged a renewed focus on recruitment and readiness, which will take time to show results, but the figures underline how deeply recruitment challenges have affected the UK’s military strength over the past half decade.

CAREERS

Did you know that finding a career in the first year after release reduces reoffending? But too often, one of the most loyal, resilient, and untapped talent pools is overlooked by employers: prison leavers. Changing perceptions of prisons, prison leavers and engaging new and underrepresented employers is key to increasing career opportunities on release and reducing reoffending.

BUSINESS

HMPPS is His Majesty's Prison and Probation Service, responsible for keeping prisoners in custody while helping them lead law-abiding lives. The New Futures Network (NFN) is a specialist part of HMPPS that connects employers with prisons to create job opportunities for prison leavers, helping to fill labour gaps for employers and reduce reoffending.

INDUSTRY

A third of businesses state that they are unable to address skills gaps in their workforce, according to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). Thinking outside the box about recruitment and exploring new talent pools can help overcome such challenges. By offering a fair chance, businesses don’t just change lives they gain, reduced recruitment costs through a ready-made pipeline of trained candidates, improved retention with loyal and motivated employees, stronger reputation as an inclusive and socially responsible employer, and access to new skills that fill real workforce gaps.

CAREERS

Did you know that finding a career in the first year after release reduces reoffending? But too often, one of the most loyal, resilient, and untapped talent pools is overlooked by employers: prison leavers. Changing perceptions of prisons, prison leavers and engaging new and underrepresented employers is key to increasing career opportunities on release and reducing reoffending.

BUSINESS

HMPPS is His Majesty's Prison and Probation Service, responsible for keeping prisoners in custody while helping them lead law-abiding lives. The New Futures Network (NFN) is a specialist part of HMPPS that connects employers with prisons to create job opportunities for prison leavers, helping to fill labour gaps for employers and reduce reoffending.

INDUSTRY

A third of businesses state that they are unable to address skills gaps in their workforce, according to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). Thinking outside the box about recruitment and exploring new talent pools can help overcome such challenges. By offering a fair chance, businesses don’t just change lives they gain, reduced recruitment costs through a ready-made pipeline of trained candidates, improved retention with loyal and motivated employees, stronger reputation as an inclusive and socially responsible employer, and access to new skills that fill real workforce gaps.

CAREERS

Did you know Waterdance offers career pathways from deckhand to skipper that can be exciting, challenging and financially rewarding. Valuable in other ways, the technical and practical seafaring skills, Sea Survival training, and working as part of a crew help develop skills for life, such as team-building, resilience and dedication.

BUSINESS

Waterdance Ltd is a family-owned fishing company and is part of the Greendale Group. They have over 20 boats based in Devon and Cornwall, including beam trawlers, netters, potters and crabbers. Working to look after our seas, they collect fishing data to ensure stocks remain sustainable, support Fishing For Litter (FFL), an environmental project, and place the safety of their crews above anything else.

INDUSTRY

Accessing skilled labour continues to be the dominant employment issue for the UK fishing fleet. Amongst the issues contributing to the shortage of skilled labour is the sector’s ageing workforce. Other reasons include difficulties in finding local crew and attracting new entrants. For some vessel operators**,** the recent changes to the visa system have made it more difficult and more costly to recruit skilled crew from overseas.

CAREERS

Did you know there are 100’s of careers beyond playing on the pitch? Behind the scenes, there are careers pathways for those passionate about football who might not make it as a professional player including football coaching and management, sports science and medicine, football analytics, sports journalism and broadcasting, marketing and public relations, scouting and recruitment, event management, football agents, groundskeeping and stadium management, esport and gaming.

BUSINESS

Exeter City Football Club, nicknamed "The Grecians," is a professional English club based in Exeter, Devon, known for being fan-owned by the Supporters' Trust since 2004 and playing at St James Park in EFL League One. The club is renowned for its strong community feel and fan engagement.

INDUSTRY

Football is more than just a game; it's an industry teeming with opportunities. Whether you dream of being on the sidelines as a coach, behind the scenes as an analyst, or in the boardroom as a marketer, there's a place for you in the world of football. Each role contributes to the magic that happens on the pitch, and by pursuing one of these alternative careers, you can make your mark on the beautiful game in your own unique way.