Our advice for students

Is your college or University running a Student Teambuild event? If not, and if you are keen to see one, please contact your course or programme organiser to suggest they get in touch.

If you ARE aware of a competition taking place, and have signed up or are considering it, here is some basic information and some FAQs which should give you an idea of what to expect…

What is Student Teambuild?

Student Teambuild is usually a stand-alone, two-day activity, often offered as an opt-in “extra” to your course, and sometimes run across a weekend. The event gives you a unique experience of working as part of a team with industry professionals across built environment disciplines, on a real project. The event is not usually graded, but there is a prize offered for the winning team, and each participant receives a Participation certificate. It is accepted as great CPD by most construction industry institutions, as well as being the ideal preparation for Chartership – and, quite importantly, looks prestigious on the CV.

What does it actually involve?

The event will probably be held at your university or college, in a venue you are familiar with. You sign up as an individual, and will be mixed into teams by the organisers: everyone there is keen to take part, and meeting the other members of the team is your first task. Getting to know these other students on different, linked courses us usually, one of the best parts of the event.

Over the course of the event you will:

• Visit a real, multi-million pound construction site (*wherever possible – 100% so far)
• Work in a small team of students made up from all different disciplines, which gives you a unique insight into what other professions do!
• Receive personal feedback, in small groups, from professionals practicing in the local area from all construction disciplines
• Have the opportunity to meet and speak informally with high-level professionals in key firms in the local region
• Be challenged, with your team, to step up to a series of short tasks in the planning, delivery, construction and operation of a real project local to your college

Why take part?

This is an excellent training opportunity to step outside the confines of your discipline and find out more about what you can do in an interdisciplinary team. The experience is approved and supported by ICE, IStructE, RIBA, CIBSE, RICS, RTPI and others: it is a fantastic experience to put on your CV and mention in your job or chartership interviews.

Oh, by the way, did we mention there were prizes for the best-performing teams?!

How do I prepare?

You generally don’t need to prepare for this event. We will provide everything you need to complete the tasks. The challenge is to work effectively together as a team, not to produce the best-researched technical outcome. Please just come along full of energy and ready to participate.