Built environment students join CIOB annual festival

• CIOB hosts third online festival for construction students
• Event attended by more than 100 students from across the globe
• Festival aims to help students build knowledge and confidence and gain practical skills to help improve their future job prospects

Construction students from across the world gathered online for the Chartered Institute of Building’s (CIOB) annual Student Festival.

The festival, now in its third year, is designed to help students build upon their competence, confidence and knowledge of the built environment sector, develop skills and take away top tips to excel and succeed in their future career.

The two-day event, which took place on March 8 and 9, was attended by more than 100 people from 25 countries. They heard from speakers including CIOB’s CEO, Caroline Gumble and Director of Education and Standards, Rosalind Thorpe, as well as academics, fellow students, industry experts and members of CIOB’s Tomorrow’s Leaders community. Topics ranged from degree apprenticeships to project management and wellbeing and inclusivity. Attendees also received advice on writing dissertations, taking part in job interviews and developing their own personal brand and had the opportunity to join in with an employability workshop.

Caroline Gumble, CEO at CIOB, said: "Our Student Festival has become a highlight in our annual events calendar, and I greatly enjoy hearing from our student community and listening to their ideas and thoughts on the future of our industry.

“I’m sure everyone who attended will have gained valuable insights and information on the hot topics in construction and hopefully some inspiration for developing their careers.”

Tadiwa Taimu is a student at the University of Cape Town and attended the event: “I gained a widened understanding of the built environment and construction industry from the CIOB Student Festival. I thoroughly enjoyed the fact that there was an array of global perspectives from industry professionals, educators, and lots more. The wealth of knowledge is undeniable and such an asset for students. I would definitely recommend this to my peers.”