Transformation initiatives and empowerment are the only way to go to unlock the potential of the South African construction sector.

This is the view of Tracy-Lee Behr, the Portfolio Director for the Built Environment at dmg events. The company, which is hosting the 6th annual African Construction and Totally Concrete Expo, will be running a series of complimentary educational sessions alongside the event.

While Africa’s infrastructure gap is expected to cost more than $30 billion over the next two decades Behr believes the business and development opportunities are immense. However, she explains, “Industry growth is best achieved with empowerment, knowledge sharing and skills development. The best way to support transformation initiatives is to offer education that is free and accessible to all.”

Underprivileged groups, small contractors, and architects operating in Africa’s built environment will take centre stage at the African Construction and Totally Concrete Expo 2018.

“The keynote and training sessions are tailored to address the industry’s current challenges, finally supporting job creation in South Africa,” Behr adds.

Training programmes

African Construction and Totally Concrete Expo’s free education programme includes:

• The Keynote Session, powered by Captains of Construction & Infrastructure and the National African Federation for the Building Industry.
• The Transformation Corner, powered by the National African Federation for the Building Industry, which will unpack the amended construction sector codes and provide practical case studies in support of transformation initiatives.
• The Architectural Essentials Corner, powered by the South African Institute of Building Design, providing CPD hours and progressive learning for architectural professionals.
• The Contractors’ Corner, dedicated to small to medium-sized contractors.
• The Demo Corner, featuring technical demonstrations and interactive training from leading industry suppliers.
• The Concrete Corner, catering to users and specifiers of concrete and concrete related products.
• The Digital Innovation Lounge, offering practical advice on how to adopt disruptive technologies in the construction industry

The event will run on 16 and 17 May at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg. To register and attend for free, visit www.totallyconcrete.co.za.