ON THE RADAR

Contact | Sept 14 GLOBAL STUDENT CHALLENGE

Australian university team claims top spot in CIOB inaugural international student contest

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Australia-based RMIT University has been awarded first place in

the CIOB’s first ever Global Student Challenge competition, fending off opposition from five other teams from leading international universities.

The winners received a trophy named after former CIOB president Alan Crane CBE and a cash prize of £2,000. The champions will also gain access to a mentoring programme formed of industry leaders to support and offer guidance to their professional development. More than 20 teams from across the world, including Australia, Hong Kong, the UK and the US, took part in the competition that started in February. The six highest-scoring teams were then given the opportunity to travel to the University of Hong Kong to compete in the finals in July. The challenge was launched to identify and mold the construction leaders of tomorrow.

Students came from universities all over the world for the final in Hong Kong Teams were tasked with running a The winning team from RMIT in Australia OPPORTUNITY MEMBERS NEEDED FOR CIOB EDUCATION BOARD

Members with a good working knowledge of academic and/or vocational education are required for the CIOB Education, Qualifications, Standards and Practice (EQSP) Board.

Applicants must currently be MCIOB or FCIOB. The EQSP Board is

responsible for the oversight of CIOB qualifications and setting the standards for Chartered membership. The

panel meets three to four times a year. This is a voluntary unpaid

role although all travel expenses will be reimbursed. Interested candidates should send a CV and covering

letter by email to Lyndsey Montgomery, qualifications development manager at lmontgomery@ciob.org.uk or, if you would like further information, call 01344 630808.

construction company in a simulated environment using MERIT software. Developed at Loughborough University, MERIT has been used to train young professionals since 1988 as part of in-course modules in degree programmes. The software enables students to develop business management skills, for example by requiring them to take decisions on staffing levels, estimating and bidding, managing cash flow and capital and seeking investment opportunities. Alan Crane said: “The Global Student Challenge offers a fantastic opportunity to engage with university students from across the world. The students have a unique

opportunity to develop their management and leadership skills in a virtual environment, both of which are immensely desirable for employers today. RMIT University has shown that it has what is needed to thrive in construction and that its talents would be an enviable asset for any business in any sector. You are only as good as your competition and all the teams offered a serious challenge.” RMIT finished in first place ahead of team

McRanked from Glasgow Caledonian University and team Quad from the University of Hong Kong. Other teams to reach the final included: 3CL Construction of the University of Greenwich, Corinth of Loughborough University, and team SQUARE, also from the University of Hong Kong.

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