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Pupils crowned champions in first ever Construction and Built Environment Challenge in West Scotland

30 Jan 2012

A team of 10 pupils from Castlemilk High School in Glasgow have become champions of the first ever Construction and the Built Environment Challenge to be held in the West of Scotland, after beating off competition from 29 other schools from Glasgow and North Lanarkshire.

Supporting the Curriculum for Excellence, the competition has offered pupils the opportunity to take part in constructive teamwork and active learning outside the classroom. Throughout the heats the groups have been set construction related challenges.

The team of S2 pupils, aged between 13 and 14, scooped the title after an outstanding performance in a series of activities at Hampden Park on 24th January 2012. These involved constructing a PV solar powered irrigation system, building a pagoda and solving plumbing and electrical challenges. Second and third place was won by Caldervale High School
and Hutchesons’ Grammar School respectively.

Ian Stirrat, Operations Manager in Scotland for SummitSkills said: “Congratulations to Castlemilk High School as worthy winners of the first CABEC West Final. The range of challenges undertaken which gives a practical outlet to the work covered under the Curriculum for Excellence will have given them an insight into some of the areas of work within the building services engineering sector, which some may wish to pursue as a career.

“SummitSkills is delighted to support this event, the industry needs young people such as these to ensure it continues to offer first class products and services.”

Graeme Ogilvy, ConstructionSkills director for Scotland, said: “Congratulations to Castlemilk High School. They have performed consistently well throughout the heats leading up to the final and excelled on the day itself. They are deserving champions of the award.

“ConstructionSkills is proud to support of the inaugural Construction and the Built Environment Challenge in the West of Scotland and look forward to continuing our relationship in the future. We are dedicated to promoting the benefits of working in construction and bringing new blood into the industry. We continue to encourage youngsters to experience taking part in constructive teamwork and active learning outside the classroom and to form their own opinions about what construction and the built environment can offer as a future career.”

The enthusiastic pupils were judged on teamwork, following instruction, working safely, tidiness, time and accuracy. Karen McAvenue, Team Leader, UKCES Qualifications and Sector Skills Policy, Scottish Government, was in attendance and was on hand to award prizes to the winning team.

The triumphant youngsters from Castlemilk High School were delighted to take home the West of Scotland Construction and Built Environment Challenge trophy, a cheque for £300 for the school’s CDT department and vouchers for the team members.

Minister for Learning, Science and Scotland’s Languages, Dr Alasdair Allan said: “I would like to congratulate the winners and finalists for their sterling achievements in this year’s competition. The annual Construction and Built Environment Challenge is a great platform, in line with Curriculum for Excellence, for youngsters to transform classroom learning into practical experience and hone the skills required for a career in the construction sector. This event is a fantastic showcase for youngsters looking to move into the industry and ensure Scotland’s construction sector is in good hands for the future.’’

Anne Galbraith, Chief Executive of SECTT, a partner organisation to the event, said: “Well done to all the finalists and especially Castlemilk High School who have triumphed today. This year’s challenge has seen some of the region’s best talent - next year’s youngsters certainly have big shoes to fill.

“Undertaking a trade or starting a career in the construction or engineering industry is an excellent choice and it’s very positive to see the young people who have taken part throughout the competition, eagerly experiencing the skills required.”

In this inaugural year the CABEC West Challenge has been sponsored by the Scottish Government and supported by SummitSkills, the sector skills council for building services engineering and ConstructionSkills, the sector skills council for construction.