At UKREiiF, our mission is to foster the most inclusive environment possible, and we’re proud to do this in collaboration with over 70 charities and diversity & inclusion organisations.

A key part of our focus is supporting the next generation as they explore careers and job opportunities. We work closely with organisations that provide young people with invaluable experiences — from engaging with major companies to attending UKREiiF itself, where they learn the art of networking and relationship-building in real time.

A key part of our focus is supporting the next generation as they explore careers and job opportunities. We work closely with organisations that provide young people with invaluable experiences — from engaging with major companies to attending UKREiiF itself, where they learn the art of networking and relationship-building in real time.

Events like UKREiiF offer young professionals the chance to connect with, learn from, and ask questions of senior industry leaders. Just as importantly, they benefit from networking with their peers, building confidence, connections and community.

We also believe it’s vital that young people have a platform and a voice. That’s why we created dedicated spaces like the D&I Stage, giving young professionals the opportunity to share their stories, ideas and visions for the future of the industry.

One of our standout charity partners, Regeneration Brainery, brought a group of aspiring young professionals, affectionately known as “Brainees”, to UKREiiF. These future leaders, who are just starting out in the built environment sector, had the opportunity to meet industry influencers, engage directly with decision-makers, participate in panel discussions, and take part in their impactful ‘reverse mentoring’ sessions.

We sat down with the Brainees to hear about UKREiiF through their eyes.

Eizen

“My UKREiiF experience was phenomenal. I really enjoyed being a part of the conference and getting a feel for how these events work. My key highlight was having the ability to sit on the panel which is my first step in getting better at public speaking which will help me develop my career.”

Chloe

“[UKREiiF was] really inspiring and empowering event for a younger person going into the construction industry. It was an action packed and varied programme with lots of networking and interaction with professionals that I hope to work with in the future.”

Praise

“I feel incredibly grateful and blessed that I was able to attend UKREiiF this year, being a part of Regeneration Brainery has honestly just changed my life and the trajectory of my career. As a young person who only decided a year ago that they wanted to join the industry but had no idea how or any connections and idea of the path to start. Coming to UKREiiF has played a massive part in providing me with not just education and knowledge but also connections which have been of equal importance and power.

This year was my second time going and I was really pushed out of my comfort zone, to speak on a panel about a very interesting but complicated topic. The experience however was as amazing and invaluable.

Also, when I reflected the growth I experienced in my knowledge and confidence a year on was massive. Excited to keep building my knowledge and growing it was also great to see a higher number of younger people as there were more events catered to people earlier in their careers and provided opportunities for us to learn together with older more experienced voices, share ideas and connect.

I believe this is how the industry should be, with more diverse perspectives driving better ideas that can help more people.”

Jay

“This UKREiiF felt like a massive full circle. I walked in on day one with an ambassador and friend that I met three years ago, and we chatted about how far we have all come since our first UKREiiF three years ago.

I would love to be able to go back and tell my younger self who was arriving for the conference for the very first time that I would go on to complete a master’s in planning and be settling into a job within an industry I, back then, knew nothing about! I really believe that this is a testament to UKREiiF and the skills and experiences we gain from such exposure to the industry. As always, networking with professionals and ambassadors reignited the excitement I have to be in the sector, and I cannot wait to see what everyone else does next.

A massive thank you to UKREiiF and Regeneration Brainery for always making this happen.”

Faizan

“UKREiiF was such an amazing experience. I had the chance to meet so many incredible people and make some really valuable connections. The atmosphere was great, and there was so much energy and insight being shared throughout the event. I’m already looking forward to going again next year!”

Edgar

“My first UKREiiF experience was a game changer. It set up an invaluable stage for young people like me to engage directly with industry leaders, allowing our voices to be heard for a more inclusive future. I always thought of my early career stage as ‘blank paper’ and being in UKREiiF felt like being given the ‘right ink’ – the connections, insights, and inspiration needed to truly colour my journey in the built environment industry.”

Glory

“UKREiiF really stood out to me because I had never attended a forum before. Not only did I have a great time, but it was also the first time I experienced an environment truly invested in supporting each other’s growth along our chosen career paths.”

Jason

“Attending UKREiiF as a Regeneration Brainery Ambassador was an incredible experience. From the moment I arrived, I was surrounded by industry leaders, innovators, and professionals eager to share their insights. The event provided me with invaluable networking opportunities, allowing me to connect with experts from companies like Octopus Real Estate and Savills.

Beyond the formal events, the atmosphere was welcoming and supportive, making it easy to engage in conversations and build meaningful connections. UKREiiF truly reinforced my passion for the industry, equipping me with the knowledge and confidence to take the next steps in my career.”

Lewis

“The opportunity to attend UKREiiF with Regeneration Brainery is amazing. They facilitate opportunities that would not be possible anywhere else such as standing in rooms, and sitting on panels, with true industry leaders!”

Zion

“Being part of UKREiiF with Regeneration Brainery was an amazing opportunity. It gave opportunities to meet professionals which is really important for young people and actually be a part of the conversation.

I met people that I never would have met and learned things I never would have learned outside of the UKREiiF. Attending UKREiiF gave me confidence to seek out opportunities and speak to people. I am lucky to have been a part and would highly recommend it to anyone who has a passion to succeed in this industry.”

Kysella

“I absolutely loved UKREiiF this year. I would especially like to thank Regeneration Brainery for such an amazing opportunity. I was able to exchange not just with industry professionals but also fellow brainees who are starting their career within the industry. It was such a rich experience for me and the knowledge shared, and the people I was able to connect with as a result is truly invaluable. Although I had already secured my graduate scheme, I received just positive and motivating feedback from many industry professionals. Many of which also me to keep in touch in case I ever needed an opportunity in the future, which truly means a lot.”

Lauren

“UKREiiF was such a fantastic experience this year. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to speak on a panel; it genuinely helped boost my confidence and improve my public speaking skills. Given how people-focused my role is, these improvements are incredibly valuable.

I met so many interesting people and had some truly inspiring conversations. Attending various panels left me feeling motivated and eager to drive positive change.”

Katie

“Thank you so much to the UKREiiF team for giving Regeneration Brainery ambassadors the opportunity to attend. Attending UKREiiF as an early careers professional was invaluable, providing incredible networking opportunities and the chance to connect with established professionals and peers alike across the industry. All of the panel discussions and keynote speakers were fantastic, with great insights into areas that I would otherwise not get exposure to. Events like UKREiiF are vital for gaining exposure to new and exciting ideas across the industry as well as building strong professional networks to support our careers going forwards.”

Jaisie

“Attending UKREiiF for the third year with Regeneration Brainery has been surreal! This incredible opportunity engages people from all backgrounds and positions, truly shaping the future of the industry. A key highlight is speaking on panels about important topics, calling out to those who can make a change.”

Brooklin

“Just wanted to say how grateful I am to have attended UKREiiF. It was great to be able to connect with so many different people at the event and I thought the workshops and panels were great to either watch or be a part of.”