Identifying the construction leaders of tomorrow

How do we provide the next generation with extraordinary skills to inspire and make a difference across increasing social, economic and environmental challenges in the construction industry?

The Chartered Institute of Building is challenging universities across the world to put forward their most promising and talented students to compete in ‘Global Student Challenge’ - its first major international construction business simulation game.

The CIOB has launched the initiative to help identify and mold the construction leaders of tomorrow.

The competition, which stretches over six rounds, will see teams undertake a series of challenging tasks acting as a board of directors of a construction company. The top six performing teams during the competition will have the opportunity to battle it out at the finale in the Far East in July 2014.

Winners of the competition will receive an invitation to a prestigious leadership development group where they will receive mentoring and assistance in their career development.

MERIT software is be used to support the competition. The software has been used to train young professionals since 1998 and has been used as part of in-course modules in degree programmes. Entrants will need to work together to make important business and financial decisions using a mixture of strategic thinking, data analysis and insight all under time constraints.

Commenting on the initiative, Alan Crane, Past President of the CIOB said, “Having been involved with the MERIT for 10 years, I know that it is an excellent way to use business management skills and implement them in a technical construction environment. MERIT creates an environment where our young people can gain new skills in a way that a classroom environment or a day-to-day job not always can. Not all construction professionals get an opportunity to participate in a simulation that allows them to pick up financial, resource management, strategic thinking and team-building skills, and that’s what makes the MERIT so special.”

“Exposing students to the issues faced by company boards at an early stage in their development will alert the students, soon to be young professionals, to the skills and knowledge required at board level and encourages them to acquire and develop these skills as early as possible.”

Registration is now open and runs until February 2014. Teams will consist of four student members who may also seek additional advice from up to two non-executive directors. The cost of registering each student team for the challenge is £295, for up to and including five teams. Additional teams may be registered for £235 per team.

For more details about the competition and to enter, visit www.ciobglobalstudentchallenge.com.