CIOB Wales successfully relaunched its annual Student Challenge this year, piloting a new online format that enabled wider participation across Wales. 

Teams of students from both Further Education (FE) and Higher Education (HE) institutions were invited to compete against their peers to become local challenge winners.

Each team consisted of up to four members, all studying at the same academic level. Participants were challenged to respond to the theme Tackling a Global Housing Crisis, developing a strategy or methodology capable of addressing this issue on a global scale.

Submissions were required to demonstrate alignment with the CIOB Corporate Plan core themes of quality and safety, environmental sustainability and addressing skills gaps. Teams were also encouraged to reference the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring their proposals promoted a sense of community, utilised efficient and sustainable construction methods and remained cost-conscious while responding to local geographic needs.

Following careful consideration by the judging panel, the winning submission was awarded to Nia Alm, Samuel Chen, Kieran Rees, and Rhys Cosker of the University of Wales Trinity Saint David. A Highly Commended accolade was also presented to Andrew Middleton from the University of South Wales.

Both recipients were invited as guests of Tomorrow’s Leaders Wales to attend the Construction Cymru Wales Conference in Swansea. Their awards were formally presented by CIOB Wales chair, Wyn Harries FCIOB, in front of industry colleagues, recognising the high standard of innovation, sustainability, and strategic thinking demonstrated through their submissions.