CELEBRATING CONSTRUCTION’S CHANGEMAKERS: THE UKCW ROLE MODELS AWARDS AT UK CONSTRUCTION WEEK BIRMINGHAM 2026
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The wait is almost over. Who will be named a UK Construction Week Role Model for 2026?
On 29 September, the UKCW Role Models Awards return to UK Construction Week Birmingham, putting the spotlight on the people, talent and leadership helping to shape the future of construction.
Secure your complimentary ticket
Every year, the Role Models Awards recognise individuals who are making a real difference across the built environment. Not simply through the jobs they do, but through the way they lead, challenge convention, champion others and inspire positive change across the industry.
This year’s nominees represent talent from across construction, each with their own story, achievements and contribution to the sector. At the NEC Birmingham, we’ll bring them together with previous winners and the wider UKCW community for an afternoon dedicated to celebrating the people behind the progress.
And everyone attending UK Construction Week Birmingham is invited to be part of it.
Three categories. One community driving change.
The UKCW Role Models Awards 2026 will recognise individuals across three categories, reflecting the different ways people can make an impact throughout their careers.
Rising Star celebrates emerging talent already making its mark on construction. These are individuals bringing fresh thinking, ambition and new perspectives to the industry, with the potential to become its future leaders.
Pioneer recognises those challenging the status quo and helping construction do things differently. Whether driving innovation, championing new ways of working or pushing for meaningful change, our Pioneers are helping create a stronger industry for those around them.
Icon celebrates individuals whose leadership, influence and contribution have made a lasting impact. These are established figures who lead by example, open doors for others and demonstrate the difference that great leadership can make.
Different career stages. Different experiences. One shared commitment to moving construction forward.
Hear from the Role Models already making an impact
Before the 2026 winners are revealed, the afternoon begins at 13:30 on The Construction RESET Stage with Reshaping the Future: Leadership Stories from UK Construction Week’s Role Models.
Last year’s Role Models David Stevens, Olayemi Usman and Virtue Igbokwuwe will join George Clarke, Architect and TV Presenter, to reflect on their journeys since receiving their awards.
From lessons in leadership and career-defining moments to the challenges and opportunities facing construction today, the conversation will explore what it takes to create meaningful change and how individuals across the industry can play their part in shaping its future.
Who will become a UKCW Role Model for 2026?
At 14:15, it’s time for the UKCW Role Models Awards 2026.
Hosted by Rebecca Rickwood and Siu Mun Li, the ceremony will celebrate this year’s nominees and their achievements before revealing the Rising Star, Pioneer and Icon winners for 2026.
But the Role Models Awards are about more than the names announced on stage. They are an opportunity to recognise the breadth of talent across construction and shine a light on individuals using their influence, ideas and experiences to make the industry better.
Whether you work on site, in design, engineering, manufacturing, technology, education, professional services or anywhere else across the built environment, come along and celebrate the people helping shape what construction becomes next.
Stay for the conversation and connections
The afternoon continues from 15:00 to 16:15 with the Women in Construction Panel, Meet Up and Networking.
The session will open up the conversation around careers, progression and leadership in construction, followed by an opportunity to meet, exchange experiences and build new connections with people from across the industry.
Everyone is welcome.
Join us at UK Construction Week Birmingham
The Role Models Awards sit at the heart of what UK Construction Week Birmingham is about: bringing the industry together not only to discuss what needs to change, but to recognise the people already making that change happen.
Join us on Tuesday 29 September at the NEC Birmingham for an afternoon of stories, celebration and connection on The Construction RESET Stage.
13:30 – 14:15
Reshaping the Future: Leadership Stories from UK Construction Week’s Role Models
14:15 – 14:45
UKCW Role Models Awards 2026
15:00 – 16:15
Women in Construction Panel, Meet Up and Networking
Come and hear their stories. Celebrate this year’s nominees. And be there as the next UK Construction Week Role Models are revealed.
Register for your free ticket to UK Construction Week Birmingham and join us on 29 September.
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