As part of this year's challenge, the students were given a talk and tour of VolkerFitzpatrick's Apex project in Camden which when complete will be a seven storey, mixed use development. Senior project manager, Rakesh Chavda, who delivered the talk also prepared questions relating to the project for the ten competing teams, who then prepared a 10-minute presentation to pitch their answers to a panel of construction and engineering professionals. The winning team was selected from a tiebreaker question to the two top teams.  

The judging panel consisted of nine industry experts, including four from VolkerFitzpatrick - Stuart Deverill, managing director of the building division, John O'Grady, commercial director and Rakesh Chavda and Jeff Carter, senior project managers.

The students were judged on their presentation skills, innovation, teamwork, quality of content and relevance, and won prizes, including a work placement and gift vouchers, provided by the Apex project's client, Reef Group.

Stuart Deverill commented: ‘It’s a pleasure to once again be part of the judging panel at the CIOB student challenge and I would like to thank the CIOB for inviting us to be part of this fantastic event. The event showcases the enthusiasm and fresh thinking from the next generation of construction professionals. It underlines what a great industry we are all a part of and encourages students to fulfil their aspirations within the construction industry.’

The challenge provided participants with the chance to meet other local, like-minded students and industry professionals, in a fun and stimulating environment. We would like to congratulate all of the participants, but in particular the team from the University of Portsmouth, who were the winners with the highest score, and the runners up from the University of West London.

 A special mention goes to Justice Ohene Asiamah from the Royal School of Military Engineering and Milda Klimanskyte from the University of West London for being highly commended individuals. A big congratulations also to Aleena Paracha, University of Portsmouth for achieving the 2022 Outstanding Student Award. In addition to her prize, Aleena has been offered a week's work experience placement with VolkerFitzpatrick.