Leadership Insights: Guiding companies to support industry talent

An Apprenticeship and End-point assessment (EPA) specialist with over 20 years’ experience working in the apprenticeships market.  I have worked as a tutor/assessor and internal quality assurer for training providers and an external quality assurer for awarding orgnaisations over this time.  I have been part of the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) external quality assurance provider team, conducting fitness for purpose reports on Apprenticeship assessment plans and grading End-point assessment organisations (EPAO’s) through readiness and monitoring reports, on behalf of the institute. I continue to support the development of sector specific apprenticeship standards. I am the Head of Apprenticeships at the CIOB to ensuring the CIOB is well positioned to raise the bar for apprenticeships.

Tamsin is a Project Manager at Build UK, the leading representative organisation for the UK construction industry. She is at the heart of Build UK’s work to recruit the next generation into the industry and leads on Open Doors, which takes visitors behind the scenes to showcase the fantastic range of careers available in UK construction. Her involvement has seen visitor numbers increase year on year, with almost 90% saying they were more likely to consider a career in the industry after their visit in 2025. Tamsin also manages Build UK’s involvement with the Construction Industry Joint Council (CIJC), where the employer representatives work to maintain employee benefits contained within the Working Rule Agreement. Tamsin has worked in the industry for over seven years and previously managed the Association of Technical Lightning & Access Specialists (ATLAS) and the Steeplejack and Lightning Protection Training Group (SLPTG).  Prior to joining Build UK, she was involved in running national conventions and awards, as well as launching a heritage railway. She has a first-class BSc Honours degree in Events Management from the University of Plymouth, where she was also awarded Outstanding Contribution for her work as Chair of the Events Society.

Leanne Land is the Head of New Entrant Support at CITB, bringing over 20 years’ experience in apprenticeships and work-based learning, with the last 18 years dedicated to advancing skills and training in the construction industry. A recognised leader in talent development, Leanne works closely with industry stakeholders to attract, nurture, and retain the next generation of construction professionals. Leanne has a proven track record of managing and inspiring high-performing teams, delivering exceptional training outcomes, and strategically influencing the sector to embrace continuous improvement. Over the past three years, she has spearheaded the creation and growth of CITB’s New Entrant Support Team, a pioneering service that helps employers recruit and retain apprentices. Under her leadership, the national team has supported thousands of employers in meeting their apprenticeship needs, directly tackling the skills shortage, and strengthening the industry’s future workforce. Her dedication, vision, and collaborative approach have made a measurable impact—helping to create opportunities, raise standards, and build a more sustainable talent pipeline for the UK construction sector.

Jon is Head of Strategic Partnerships at Springpod, an award-winning platform reshaping how young people explore careers and university pathways through    immersive work-based learning and skills programmes. He works on developing new collaborations with employers, industry bodies and public sector organisations helping them achieve their talent attraction, early careers, diversity & inclusion, and social impact goals.