Plymouth student to represent SW in national property industry competition

Much has been reported on the damaging skills gap faced by the UK property and construction industry.  The Association of Women in Property (WiP) has been working to encourage girls and young women to enter the industry through an extensive education programme that includes its National Student Awards, now in their tenth year.

Madeleine Jury, studying Civil Engineering at Plymouth University has come top in the South West competition, sponsored by Hydrock and Stride Treglown, which recognises the talent available to the industry at the earliest possible stage, while students are still studying.   The Awards aim to highlight to industry the necessity to link with Universities early in the education process and also improve the students’ knowledge on the career options available to them.  Many secure work placements as a direct result of competing in the Awards, which often translate into permanent positions upon graduation.

Natasha Cottell, Chairman of the South West Branch, said, ”Madeleine has done really well to win the regional Award and we are delighted she will be representing this region at the national final in September.  This is a tough competition with some extremely talented, enthusiastic and professional young women taking part, all of which bodes well for the industry recruitment pipeline.

“But this is very much a pipeline and our industry can’t afford to rest on its laurels, we need to encourage more young women to get involved and see what our industry can offer.  The skills shortage within our industry is well documented, and yet careers in property and construction are still largely forgotten, particularly for young women when they’re looking ahead past their GCSEs.  We’re calling upon schools – and parents – to remember the amazing opportunities offered by this dynamic industry, and encourage their young women to take another look at what a career in property and construction can offer.”

The Student Awards are sponsored nationally by three major industry names, Construction company Bouygues UK, property advisers Cushman & Wakefield and house builder, Linden Homes.

Tom Nicholson, Linden Homes divisional managing director, said: “Our support for Women in Property’s National Student Awards demonstrates our ongoing commitment as a company to encourage more women into the industry.

“As well as facing a skills shortage in construction there is a diverse range of opportunities for women both on and off site in the industry and they have the knowledge and capabilities to help tackle the issues we face and build the homes we need.

“Our sponsorship gives us the opportunity to shine a spotlight on the UK’s best female property students, and to practice what we preach by offering work placements and the support to build a career on an equal footing to that of their male counterparts. We wish Madeleine and all the regional winners the best of luck ahead of the national final.”

The regional judging panel includes representatives from different industry disciplines, with Rebecca Draper from Stride Treglown, Helen James from Hydrock, Peter Carpinelli from Linden Homes, Laura Stamboulieh from Cushman & Wakefield and Emma Wiltshire from Bouygues taking part this year.

Madeleine receives a cheque for £300 and a trophy.  She said, “I was really proud to be nominated by my university but I never dreamt I would win. It has been such a worthwhile experience, thank you to all the sponsors for making it happen.”

In addition to Madeleine Jury there were six other regional finalists, all of whom were nominated by their Universities.  They were invited to go before a judging panel of industry experts, where they were questioned on a piece of coursework and topical industry issues.  The finalists were:-

·       Elizabeth Boswell – Real Estate – UWE

·       Phillipa Dalby – Rural Land Management - Royal Agricultural University (Cirencester)

·       Harriet Fuller BSC (Hons) Real Estate – Royal Agricultural University (Cirencester)

·       Vicky Gee BSC Urban Planning/ Master of Planning – UWE

·       Azmina Gulam Husein – Architecture Bath

·       Susie Smith – Civil Engineering – Bristol

The national final will be held at Claridge’s, London on Wednesday 21st September when students from across the UK compete for the National Student Award trophy.