An Elphin student‘s solution to Ireland’s housing crisis has earned him a prestigious award from the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).
Robert Kelleher who is s a final year Quantity Surveying student at IT Sligo, received the Best Student Award at the recent Construction Futures event held in Derry, and organised by the CIOB (North West Region).
The CIOB, is the world’s leading professional construction body. In Ireland, it strives to recognise the importance of education, training and development within the Construction Industry as well as encouraging young people into the sector.
Student participants in the Construction Futures Event were invited to submit an essay on Ireland’s Housing Crisis and to address sustainable solutions to the issues of high demand, low supply and homelessness.
Robert’s entry impressed an external independent judging panel, made up of industry professionals, who highlighted the focus Robert put on reducing construction costs, shortening the lead-in time for building and increasing land availability.
“The Construction Futures event was inspirational,” said a delighted Robert after receiving the Joe White Perpetual Cup (pictured). “The insights we received from professionals in the construction industry were invaluable and really opened our eyes to career possibilities within the sector.”
Robert’s success builds on the IT Sligo’s participation in the CIOB Building Challenge event in Limerick in February this year, when students Ivan Mikho , Jordan Van Heck, Daniel Kennedy and Ryan McGullion represented the Institute, showcasing their skills and knowledge in front of potential employers, Industry Professionals and CIOB members.
“Robert’s success is a fitting tribute to his work ethic and academic achievements to date,” said Paul Donlon (pictured above), lecturer in Quantity Surveying and the CIOB representative at IT Sligo.
“He is a strong all-round student, and this award is a timely reflection of that endeavour.”