Bright Futures Challenge winners

Bright times ahead for construction students

This year’s Bright Futures Student Challenge gave a taster of the industry’s talent of the future

The winning University of West London team, with judge Stuart Deverill

Outstanding Student Chris Willetts of the University of Brighton, with judge Stuart Deverill

The annual CIOB Tomorrow’s

Leaders London and South Bright Futures Student Challenge (BFSC) once again proved that there is a wealth of talent ready and waiting to come into the construction Industry.

Teams from universities and colleges in London and the south, all studying construction-based courses, came together in March to showcase their skills and knowledge to try to win the title of BFSC 2022 Champions.

The competition, which was sponsored by VolkerFitzpatrick, was based around its £29m The Apex project for client Reef Group – one of six mixed-use new builds forming the Tribeca development in the heart of King’s Cross.

The teams were invited on a site tour then had to give a 10-minute presentation to a panel of judges on a question about the project.

After two rounds of presentations the team from University of West London – Eliass Arfal, Lewis Cain, Alex March and Lewis Mayley – were announced as the winners. The Royal School of Military Engineering team – Shaun Bladen, Nathan Cowley, Greg McCormack and Charlie Pengilley – came in a close second.

Two students went away with the knowledge that they stood out from the crowd. Chris Willetts (University of Brighton) was recognised as Outstanding Student of the day and was presented with a trophy, certificate, voucher and an opportunity for a week of work experience with VolkerFitzpatrick. Lewis Cain (University of West London) was recognised as Highly Commended and will also have the opportunity to accept work experience with VolkerFitzpatrick.

The judges were: Malcolm Clarke, managing director, Baxall; Jo Elder, director, We are Spaces; Karl Crisp, senior operations manager, Willmott Dixon; Joshua Waterman, associate director, Turner and Townsend. Four judges were from VolkerFitpatrick: Rakesh Chavda, senior project manager (The Apex); Anthony Clarke, operations manager; Stuart Deverill, managing director, Building Division; John O’Grady, divisional commercial director. ●

Teams from universities and colleges in London and the south came together to showcase their skills and knowledge

Dion Dublin talks at the hub dinner

Fundraising and a famous footballer make Newcastle awards dinner a win

CIOB Newcastle Hub’s Annual Dinner with guest Dion Dublin raised £5,000 for charity

Over 160 construction professionals

attended the CIOB Newcastle Hub Annual Dinner in March.

The evening was hosted by Graeme Forster, with speeches by CIOB president Mike Foy and Newcastle Hub chair Tony Bellamy MCIOB. Victoria Lane MCIOB presented Hartlepool College students with their trophy for winning the 2021 Student Challenge.

Former pro footballer Dion Dublin took to the stage with his compere Jerry Earl and regaled guests with stories from his colourful football career, including Cambridge United, Manchester United and Coventry City. Dublin also discussed his work encouraging the younger generation of footballers to invest in property.

Platinum sponsor was CDM Recruitment and gold sponsors were Tilbury Douglas and Black and White Engineering. The chosen charity for the evening was Metro Radio’s Cash for Kids, with over £5,000 raised on the night. ●