top of page

Birmingham-based BTF, awards 2025 Charity Partner, to DTSA!!

  • Writer: Digital Twin Skills Academy CIC
    Digital Twin Skills Academy CIC
  • Sep 28, 2025
  • 5 min read



“I spent three of my best years here (during 1991-1994) living in the West Midlands, whilst studying at the University of Wolvehampton; I’ve many fond memories. A lot has changed, but it still feels like home!” _ Dr Bola Abisogun OBE








Building on from last years’ BTF Awards Ceremony _ which the DTSA were kindly invited to attend as Guests of the Leadership Team; it was a pleasure to be present amongst industry colleagues and other Judges, including from St.Basils (Jean Templeton, CEO) and those from and representing, CITB.

 




 

It was an early start on the 18th September 2025, which began with a convoluted drive into the City Centre, and straight into the ‘new’ CAZ ‘clean air zone’ for an 0830am breakfast meeting with .......................





.......... a dear industry colleague, Stuart Bell, CEO of AMODAL alongside a new Client & 'third-sector' partner, Barrie Hodge, Head of Fundraising & Communications at, homelessness charity, St.Basils





 

Walking through the Grand Central _ I couldn’t help myself and had to take a really good look at the now infamous ‘Ozzy The Bull’ its dominant presence barricaded with a Network Rail / West Midlands Combined Authority, banner ….. it’s clearly an engineering feat and one that previously graced the Commonwaelth Games in 2022.






Led by Jean Templeton, CEO, this fifty year-old charity called St.Basil's who themselves were the BTF Charity Partner for 2024 has been around for a while, doing great work across the city of Birmingham, moreso during COVID, which is when Stuart became a volunteer.








With a clear and growing desire to focus on areas of 'low hanging fruit' amidst the rapid digital transformation taking place in all sectors, and has led in part, to the arrival of the #BuildingSafetyAct (and the #GoldenThread) - the topic of 'digital skills' was discussed and many ideas were floated ....... much of which points directly to the 'ground-breaking' and recent approval of our very first micro-credential.







With the unwavering guidance of the leadership team at OCN London and wider financial support proffered by the Digital Twin Hub / Connected Places Catapult we are able to offer a unique industry pathway that will ensure EVERY young person with an interest in #DigitalConstruction now has a concrete route into our Apprenticeship Programme _ which (God willing, and) after eight (8) years of foundational pursuit, will begin in January 2026.








My own view is that the 'current' #HumanCapital needs and 'future' growth potential of the West Midlands construction sector cannot afford to be stifled or hampered by a lack of untrained personnel _ the role of 'digital' will move beyond 'the process' itself and need to focus more on the #PersonCentric needs of the individual - be that, from Labourer to CEO / Chairman








Through Stuart's community effort, and deep knowledge of St.Basils, he very quickly and successfully established a strong sense of personal commitment and was able to identify the common denominator between St.Basils and the DTSA. That being 'young people, aged between 16 and 25yrs', made the ensuing ‘partnership’ conversation, held last week, all the more relevant and exciting.




Leaving that, eventful and hugely exciting meeting on a high, set me up well for the rest of the day, which concluded later that evening with attendance at the launch event of the BTF Alumni Network.





Really good to meet with another #Londoner & clear #RisingStar meet Mr Obed Appiah, a young aspiring Engineer, who had a conversation with me about his ambitions and is keen to better understand, my body of work in the Digital Twin space; #EachOneTeahOne _ the future looks bright!










Established to “Empower the Built Environment and Construction Sector: Addressing the Skills Shortage and Bridging the Skills Gap by Celebrating Young Leaders and Inspiring Future Talent” the BTFA is the brainchild of 'Professor' Errol Lawson and his amazing team.





This 'BTF Alumni Network' launch event, was a celebration that sought to bring together all stakeholders from previous and current shortlisted finalists, judges and other industry allies, supporters and friends.





About The Event

It was an inspiring evening at the Building the Future Awards Pre-Event and the official launch of the Alumni Network, hosted at the dynamic SteamHouse, BCU.





The exclusive gathering brought together past award nominees, sponsors, judges, finalists for BTF 2025, mentors, alumni, industry leaders, partners, and changemakers to connect, celebrate achievements, and set the stage for the upcoming 2025 awards.






It was an evening of meaningful networking, powerful conversations, and the unveiling of the Alumni Network — a new initiative designed to spotlight continued excellence, foster collaboration, and provide lasting support to those who are shaping the future.












The launch event also convened the soft #InPerson launch of Prof Errol's latest #Lathamesque styled literary contribution called "Construction is a Team Sport"; with a foreword by yet another industry ally (and a very dear friend, during my time as a member of the CITB England Nation Council) Deborah Madden, Executive Director, Nations Engagement at CITB

















What we were told to Expect:

  • A sneak peek at what’s to come for the 2025 Building the Future Awards

  • Inspiring stories from past awardees and nominees

  • Live panel discussion and Q&A

  • Official Alumni Network launch & membership info

  • Refreshments, networking & connection opportunities







Who Should Attend: Past nominees and winners, sponsors, judges, finalists for BTF 2025, mentors, partners, community leaders, professionals, and anyone passionate about innovation, empowerment, and legacy-building.

 





With an appropriately accurate introduction by Host, Damini Sharma from OM Group, those present in the audience heard some insightful, though hugely debatable industry insights, from CITB representative Juliet Smithson .......








......... as we look towards our national expansion, (supported by John White MBE, from the Skills Centre, who have also recently expanded into UK's second city!) we look forward to progressing our collective working relationship, in Birmingham ............ as I reflect on the closing words and remarks from CITB, CEO - Tim Balcon that I heard earlier, at this years 'CITB - Skills & Training Conference', held in London ........





















Always good to hear from our industry allies and partners, particularly those that choose to recognise and value the work of the DTSA, now spanning across the UK, North America and the Middle East. And, Professor Errol and his team have chosen to do just that. On behalf of my small team [noting the stellar contribution of NessaA, our Deputy CEO] - we are both humbled and excited to be the BTFA Charity Partner of the Year 2025 ......!!







The absence of my fellow Judge, Danny Clarke is always felt, and I/we look forward to progressing a positive working relationship with an unapologetic focus on our #grassroots work with and for #YoungPeople, present across the city of Birmingham, in partnership with an array of local stakeholders ........











Moving to the end of what was clearly a fabulous day in Birmingham, full of hugely positive engagement, inspiration, knowledge-sharing and of course lots of smiles and laughter; so, pleased to meet the indomitable spirit and energy, captured in the form of our amazing Head Judge ........ #Dame Jayne Henson _ what a star!







From day one of engaging with this fellow BTF Ambassador, I was (and remain) consumed by her infrequently, frequent contributions and comments, in our BTFA Judges WhatsApp Group. I've come to know who Jayne is and what makes her tick; such a lovely specimen of a human being; we really need more #Dame Hensons in this world!







Next steps are below [although 'subject to change!'] ........ God willing, see you there!

















 
 
 
bottom of page