Developing future leaders doesn’t happen by chance. It takes intention, investment and exposure to real leadership thinking.

The program supports organisations committed to building confident, capable professionals ready to lead people, projects and influence across our industry.

Investing in your emerging professionals strengthens your succession pipeline, improves retention and equips your business with leaders who can navigate complexity, change and collaboration with confidence.

The program is a flagship leadership initiative with a proven track record of developing emerging professionals across the consulting engineering and built environment sectors.

Through facilitated sessions, practical leadership tools, peer learning and an industry-led project, participants build self-aware, commercially minded leadership capability. The program exposes participants to diverse leadership styles, strengthens industry networks and ensures learning is practical, relevant and immediately transferable.

More Information - contact: Linda Gaunt, Head of Engagement

A core element of the Future Leader Program is an industry-led group project, where participants work in teams to tackle a real-world challenge relevant to our sector.

Guided by industry mentors, teams apply the leadership skills developed throughout the program to research, collaborate and present their solutions.

Projects are judged by a panel of respected industry leaders, with the winning team recognised for excellence, innovation and impact.

The 2025 CA Future Leader Program was 100% worth the investment.

The presentations offered practical insights I could apply immediately at work and in everyday life.

The program helped me strengthen key leadership skills, including emotional intelligence, teamwork, sales, networking, negotiation, and leveraging emerging technologies.

I highly recommend the course to any engineer looking to go beyond their “technical toolkit” and develop a true “leader’s toolkit”.

Senior Structural Engineer - Geotron Engineering Consultants

The Consult Australia Future Leaders Program has been one of the most energising and thought-provoking experiences of my career. It challenged me to step beyond the day-to-day and engage more deeply with the broader forces shaping our industry and society, while sharpening how I think about leadership, decision-making and impact. 

What I enjoyed most was the calibre of conversation that comes from being surrounded by curious, driven people who weren’t afraid to question, test ideas and learn from one another. That experience has stayed with me, influencing how I show up in my role with greater clarity, confidence and intent. 

I’d recommend it to anyone looking to expand not just their skillset, but their perspective on what’s possible.

Associate Civil Engineer - pitt&sherry

"2025 was my second year being a Mentor for the Consult Australia Future Leaders Program. I’m passionate about helping others be the best they can be and developing the leaders of tomorrow. The CA Future Leaders Program is all about helping young professionals to become the leaders that will sustain our industry long after

I’ve retired. Sometimes the Mentor role is about working with my assigned team and providing guidance and advice on their project assignment, and other times it’s about the softer skills; dealing with team dynamics, keeping them focu  sed and overcoming difficulties on the journey. Real learning happens when things are hard, not easy, so constantly challenging the team is part of the gig. I’m looking forward to being part of the program again next year."

Civil Structures Engineer – Structures NSW Arcadis Australia Pacific

More Information - contact: Linda Gaunt, Head of Engagement

Arcadis
Chartered Principal Civil Engineer and Team Leader

“This program is an empowering course that provides the skills and tools needed to become a future leader in our industry. The team project was my favourite part, working with people from diverse backgrounds showed how our differences made us stronger. We worked hard, formed lasting connections, and continue to support each other today.

I’d recommend The Future Leaders Program to anyone wanting to elevate their leadership skills. The diverse presenters covering everything from contract law to personal branding. It offers creative, engaging insights into the business and management side of our industry, inspiring future leaders every step of the way.”

SMEC
Team Leader - Rail Structures

“Being part of the Future Leaders Program in 2025 was an incredibly rewarding experience.

The best part for me was the connections I made, many of whom I’m still in touch with from the cohort today.

Each session offered something valuable, from practical leadership insights to ways of using AI more effectively in our day to day work.

I’ve taken bits and pieces from the program and applied them in my role ever since. I’d highly recommend it to anyone looking to grow both personally and professionally.”

Jacobs
Senior Civil Engineer

"This program serves as a fantastic platform for emerging professionals to develop essential skills and gain insights into thriving in the consulting industry. One of the sessions was particularly enlightening, as it helped me identify my strengths and understand how to effectively apply them to my project work, significantly enhancing my professional development. The facilitators were outstanding, and I left each session feeling inspired about how I could implement those learnings in my own work. I recommend this program to anyone looking to elevate their career. It’s a valuable experience that can truly make a difference.

I would highly recommend the Future Leader Program.”