Construction East is proud to announce the launch of its Impact Ambassador Pilot Programme, a flagship initiative delivered in partnership with the Construction Technical Excellence College (CTEC), set to commence in September 2026.
This exciting new programme marks the first major initiative to be delivered through our newly formed strategic partnership with CTEC, a collaboration built on a shared ambition to strengthen the regional skills pipeline, embed industry directly into education, and develop future-ready construction professionals. With CTEC’s national investment in construction skills and Construction East’s deep industry network, this partnership represents a powerful step forward for the East of England.
The pilot programme will be delivered across five colleges in Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire, engaging students studying the Design, Surveying and Planning T Level. At its heart, the programme is designed to bring education and industry closer together, giving students meaningful, real-world insight into construction careers while supporting their industry placement experience.
A key element of the programme is the involvement of our newly recruited Impact Ambassadors, early to mid-career professionals from across the construction sector who will mentor and guide students throughout the academic year. Each ambassador will work closely with student groups, sharing their expertise, supporting project development, and helping to bring the industry to life in a way that is both accessible and inspiring.
We have been truly overwhelmed by the level of support from our young professional community, with 20 ambassadors stepping forward to be part of this pilot. Their enthusiasm, willingness to give their time, and commitment to supporting the next generation speaks volumes about the strength and values of our regional construction industry. This response has exceeded expectations and highlights a growing appetite among young professionals to play an active role in shaping the future workforce.
The programme itself centres around a live project challenge, where students will design a “Future-Ready Community Infrastructure Hub” within their local area. Supported by their ambassadors, students will explore real-world considerations such as community engagement, sustainability, commercial awareness and construction sequencing, culminating in a final presentation to a joint Construction East and CTEC panel.
What makes this initiative particularly powerful is its authenticity. Rather than a one-off interaction, students will engage with ambassadors on a monthly basis, building relationships, confidence and a deeper understanding of how different disciplines come together within a real project environment. At the same time, ambassadors gain valuable leadership experience and the opportunity to influence the future talent pipeline.
This pilot programme is just the beginning. It has been designed as a scalable model, with ambitions to expand across the wider CTEC network in future years, reaching more colleges and more students across the region.
As we look ahead to September, there is a genuine sense of excitement and momentum. This programme represents not just a new initiative, but a new way of working, one where industry and education collaborate more closely than ever before to deliver meaningful impact.
Construction East would like to extend a sincere thank you to all of our ambassadors and partners who have helped bring this programme to life. We are incredibly proud of what has been achieved so far and look forward to seeing the impact it will have on students, ambassadors and the wider construction community in the months ahead.