Bright Futures winner gets on site

Bright Futures Challenge Student winner experiences work with VolkerFitzpatrick

DESPITE THE PANDEMIC, DOMINIC HARRIS WAS STILL ABLE TO GET ON SITE AS PART OF HIS PRIZE

Earlier this year, Dominic Harris, who is studying at Brighton University, won the Outstanding Student prize at the CIOB Novus Bright Futures Challenge.

In addition to receiving a winner’s cheque at this fun and challenging competition for up-and-coming construction students, Harris also won a week’s work experience on a live site with VolkerFitzpatrick, the sponsor of the Bright Futures Challenge final.

Although the current pandemic took over events, VolkerFitzpatrick felt it important to ensure that Harris underwent the work experience for his career development, and the company was pleased to be able to offer him the opportunity at the UCL Pearl project, Essex, in early August.

Harris said: “The week’s work experience was a great learning opportunity on a live, operational project; it has been invaluable. The team was also extremely helpful – accommodating, knowledgeable and friendly.”

VolkerFitzpatrick project manager Tim Cloves, who has been mentor to many newly qualified and trainee

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“Even during the restrictions surrounding covid-19, we were able to safely put in measures to allow us to offer this opportunity to bright future talent”

Tim Cloves, VolkerFitzpatrick

construction managers, said: “It’s testament to VolkerFitzpatrick and our project teams that, even during the restrictions surrounding covid-19, we were able to safely put in measures to allow us to offer this opportunity to bright future talent, in order for them to gain the vital experience of working on a live site.

“Our UCL Pearl project offers a really great opportunity, particularly due to the uniqueness of the project – allowing visitors to see a project at various stages, all at one time.

“I hope that the knowledge and experience that Dominic gained during his time with us will remain with him for what, I have no doubt, will be a successful career.” ●

Dominic Harris on VolkerFitzpatrick’s UCL Pearl site in Essex

The CIOB has formed a new Highlands & Islands Hub in Scotland.

This gives an opportunity for the institute to represent and involve members and the wider industry in the local area. It is a direct response to requests from members to deliver quality CPD, membership support and to engage with employers and education through a recognised committee structure.

It will launch with an event in Inverness on 14 October. To keep to social distancing rules, this will be invitation-only but a recording will be available shortly after.

The hub will launch fully on 1 January 2021. It hopes to have more face-to-face events in the New Year and welcomes interest from members and non-members.

The hub is keen to reach out to as many members as possible and is actively looking at ways to broadcast events. Please contact Lynne McKay, regional manager, at lmckay@ciob.org.uk to register your interest in attending or becoming an active member of the group.