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GCU’s Next Generation Of Construction Leaders Win CIOB Challenge In Hong Kong

Planning approvals edge higher on last year
Written by Amy

A team of Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) engineering students have defended the University’s title as CIOB Global Student Challenge champions at the finals of the competition in Hong Kong.

The competition, run by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), develops leadership skills by challenging students to run their own construction company in a simulated environment using software developed by Loughborough University.

GCU’s team ‘Cali Construction’ entered the final in pole position after a preliminary six elimination rounds. The team consists of Sam Belkaid, Richard Boyle, Duncan Mcaslan from the BSc in Environmental Civil Engineering Programme, and Peter McElroy from the MSc in Building Services Engineering.

They were the only UK university representatives to make the final. The other finalists were The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, CIOB Student Center of Chongqing University, University of Cape Town, Bond University, and Deakin University.

Over 50 teams from universities all over the world entered the competition, which began back in March. The challenge is seen by the industry as an opportunity for university students to learn real skills in contract management, teamwork and leadership.

The winning team receives £2,000 in prize money along with access to mentoring from industry leaders who will offer advice and guidance on their future careers and professional development.

This is the third successive year GCU has had a team in the final. Last year, Ross Anderson, Eugene Atiso and Dale Mason from the BEng Building Services Programme, and Graham Allen from the BSc in Environmental Civil Engineering Programme, won the competition.

Team tutor Mark Phillipson, who travelled to Hong Kong for the finals with the students, said: “Once again our students have excelled when compared against a truly international field. In the process our students have networked and developed a fabulous international network with their peers from around the globe. I could not be prouder of their representation of the University and their outstanding achievement! ”

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Amy