Global Student Challenge kicks off

Global Student Challenge 2022 gets under way

Though the competition is hotting up, there is still time to take your place among the entrants for this year’s international competition

CIOB’s annual Global Student Challenge (GSC) is now under way, but there is still time to enter – registration closes on 18 February.

Launched in 2014, the GSC is an online construction business game open to students across the world who are studying an honours course within the built environment. Run by CIOB, it provides built environment students with

The second CIOB Student Festival will take place next month. This free, twoday event is a virtual event for all CIOB student members from across the globe. The purpose is to inspire, inform and celebrate student members.

Established in 2021, the festival aims to offer meaningful messages from a diverse community. Student members will benefit from technical and practical insights, professional points of views and personal wisdom for future careers not otherwise accessible in one space.

The festival is themed with headliners including: ● Industry leaders – thoughts, opinions and wisdom from leaders in the sector ● Global careers – a spotlight on career perspectives from global organisations in all areas of construction ● Learning essentials – from dissertation tips via LinkedIn essentials to landing your next job ● Tomorrow’s Leaders – hear from the CIOB’s early career and future leaders on staying motivated and staying involved in the CIOB ● Student wellbeing – looking after number one ● Networking – make new professional contacts, build like-minded connections from across the globe and get ahead.

The Student Festival 2022 will run on 9-10 March 2022, from 10am to 3pm GMT. Watch events from last year’s event at https://vimeo.com/showcase/8491404. To register, contact: hahmed@ciob.org.uk.

Last year’s winners were Wonders from Massey University

Opportunities and tips at the 2022 Student Festival

Sign up now to get all the benefits from this year’s two-day virtual event in March

an opportunity to apply their learning to a real-world scenario in which teams of four are tasked with managing their own virtual construction company.

The competition utilises MERIT, an online game which simulates the management of a construction company.

The next six-week phase of this year’s challenge will begin on 23 February.

This is the Early Years stage of the competition, in which the first round of data will be released to all teams.

The first phase – the Foundation Years – of this year’s competition began on 31 January, when the teams were able to access the game software and to refine their strategy.

Due to the ongoing situation with Covid-19, this year’s top six teams will take part in a virtual final, which will commence on 20 June 2022, running for two weeks.

To apply, go to https://gsc.ciob.org.

One to watch

Dale Harris, senior project manager, Morgan Sindall Construction

Why did you choose construction as a career? I trained to become a bench joiner on a four-and-ahalf-year apprenticeship as I loved making things with wood. After qualifying, I travelled all over the UK working on high-end projects. After a few years and after witnessing uninspiring management with various contractors on site, I believed that I could do a better job and I haven’t looked back since joining Morgan Sindall Construction.

Is there another career you considered? I wanted to become an architect but was put off by my careers advisor in school. The advice was not to bother as few practices were hiring and it’s seven years to qualify, which wasn’t very motivating at the time. However, I definitively think it was a blessing and architecture’s loss and construction’s gain.

How did it feel to be a CMYA gold finalist? It was very rewarding, especially considering who you are up against and the fact you are judged by esteemed peers.

What are your career ambitions? I want to continue to maintain excellence throughout everything that I do. I am currently in the process of being mentored to project director level with Morgan Sindall Construction. I’ve aspired to this level as I can still experience the buzz of being on site every day while being the person that people look to for support and advice.

What do you do in your spare time? I have supported Liverpool Football Club since I was three and enjoy swimming. I love interior design, so I spend a small fortune on my home as well as simply taking time to appreciate life.

Why did you pursue CIOB membership status? It was the natural next step for me. I wanted my clients to feel like they were in good hands with someone who takes their career seriously.

What does being MCIOB bring to your career? For me personally, it shouts excellence and encourages me to maintain the highest standards within the industry.