Applying the many aspects of construction management learned in a college or university program can be like preparing a seven-course meal. Students must make seamless everything from cost estimation to safety planning – all while accounting for project changes just hours from the bid deadline.
It’s this “real-world” experience that the Associated Builders and Contractors organization hopes to provide in its fifth annual student chapter construction management competition, to be held Feb. 19 during the ABC national convention in Orlando, Fla. A record number of 26 teams from across the nation are expected to vie for the event’s $8,500 prize.
“The prize money is often serendipitous,” said Christine Hess, director of careers in construction for ABC. “It’s really just getting the experience of being there and the competition itself that students value.”
Hess said the competition is intended to serve as a “bridge between school and career,” providing students with the opportunity to gain real-world experience in the construction industry. “It’s intense and challenging, but fun,” she said.
Teams of three to four students will compete for the cash prize and awards in three categories: project management/scheduling, estimating and safety.
All registered teams receive a pre-competition assignment and are told to come to the competition prepared for “bid day,” which occurs on the first day of the event. Out of the 26 teams, only five finalists will be selected for the following day’s competition. A panel of judges acting as owners will then select the overall winner.
This year’s competition challenge is an elementary school addition. Past projects have included converting a high-rise hotel to condominiums and making additions to a two-story office building.
