Winners of international student construction contest revealed

Australia-based RMIT University has been awarded first place in the Chartered Institute of Building’s Global Student Challenge competition, fending off opposition from five other teams from leading international universities.

The winners received a trophy duly named after former CIOB President Alan Crane CBE and a cash prize of £2000. The champions will also gain access to a mentoring programme formed of industry leaders to support and offer guidance to students’ professional development.

Over twenty teams from across the world, including Australia, Hong Kong, the UK and the US, took part in the competition that started in February 2014. The six highest scoring teams were then given the opportunity to travel to the University of Hong Kong to compete in the finals on 24 and 25 July.

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

Teams were tasked with running a construction company in a simulated environment using MERIT software. Developed at Loughborough University, it has been used to train young professionals since 1988 as part of in-course modules in degree programmes. The software enables students to develop business management skills, requiring them to take decisions on staffing levels, estimating and bidding, managing cash flow and capital and seeking investment opportunities.

Alan Crane Past President of the CIOB, said: “Global Student Challenge offers a fantastic opportunity to engage with university students from across the world. The students have a unique opportunity to develop their management and leadership skills in a virtual environment, both of which are immensely desirable for employers today. RMIT University has shown that they have what is needed to thrive in construction and that their talents would be an enviable asset for any business in any sector. You are only as good as your competition and all the teams offered a serious challenge.”

RMIT finished in first place ahead of team McRanked from Glasgow Caledonian University and team Quad from the University of Hong Kong.  Other teams to reach the final included: 3CL Construction of the University of Greenwich, Corinth of Loughborough University and team SQUARE also from the University of Hong Kong.

The sponsors for Global Student Challenge 2014 are: Chun Wo Development Holdings Limited and Yau Lee Construction.

For further information about Global Student Challenge please see www.ciobglobalstudentchallenge.com.