Shetland construction event focuses on zero carbon and innovation

The event will also appeal to anyone who wants to find out more about careers in the sector.

Industry experts will gather at Mareel in Lerwick on 6 October for the ‘Innovation and Skills Showcase and Conference’. The showcase is at 3-5pm and will be followed by the conference 5-8pm.

The event is organised by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), which, along with other organisations, will host a stand to offer advice and information on funding support.

Those attending can learn more about new skills, training and careers in construction as well as innovative new sustainable processes, business support and low carbon heating.

Demonstrations include some of the latest technology used in the construction sector such as augmented reality (AR) helmets and virtual reality (VR) training simulators, 3D scanning equipment and a heat flow metre in BE-ST’s “Make it Smart” hub.

HIE’s area manager for Shetland, Katrina Wiseman will provide the opening welcome. She said: “This event is to inspire Shetland’s construction industry and it would be great to see as many people attend as possible. Innovation is changing the way we work and is creating new opportunities for businesses, boosting productivity and increasing profitability, particularly as we head towards a zero-carbon future.

“This event in Lerwick will bring a real sense of what the future of construction looks like and where the opportunities lie. Together with our partner organisations, we can provide support and advice for businesses looking to create new products or services, improve productivity, reduce their carbon footprint and grow their business.”

Business Gateway and Shetland Islands Council will also be on hand to provide further details of support available to companies, while Skills Development Scotland and UHI will discuss apprenticeships and training opportunities in construction and built environment.

Other business support services on the day include Built Environment – Smarter Transformation (BE-ST), formerly Construction Scotland Innovation Centre whose mission is to accelerate the built environment’s transition to zero carbon emissions.

Key speakers at the conference include Chris Stewart, President of Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) who will focus on the circular economy and HIE’s John Mackenzie will speak about the agency’s support for housing and construction sector.

The event is open to construction companies, suppliers, professional services, apprentices, and anyone interested in a career, or emerging new skills in construction. Anyone interested in attending can register in advance via the HIE Events page https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/building-a-zero-carbon-future-through-construction-innovation-tickets-419621608527