CIOB: Maverick Physicist Judges Construction's Next Generation

Monday, 21 February 2011 12:00 AM

Professor Brian Cox OBE joins the public vote to choose the Chartered Institute of Building's (CIOB) national 'Inner Space' winner at Ecobuild on March 2nd.

The 'Inner Space 2050' project is part of the b-live Employability Programme, which brings young people and employers together through innovative assignments designed to progressively develop students' employability skills, career prospects and get them work-ready to drive the UK economy.

Set in 2050 the Year 7 (ages 11-12) students have faced the challenge of an over populated planet and the need to create a sustainable headquarters for the future 'Global Government'. Using recycled materials the project has to be designed in sections for assembly in Earth's orbit. Energy for the structure must be generated through renewable sources.

Paula Annels, Head of Policy & External Relations at the CIOB commented, "The built environment faces many challenges economically, environmentally and socially. But perhaps our biggest test is to reach the next generation and inspire those talented individuals to pursue a career in construction. Our Inner Space project has drawn in thousands of young minds and shown them what a career in the built environment can offer.

"It is a real coup to have Professor Cox take part. His work is a fantastic example of how a complex subject like physics can be bought to life and re-imagined in the public's perception. It's a close call between the students and us as to who is more excited."

More than 50 schools from across the UK have taken part in the project with the top three entries (selected by a panel of industry experts) going forward to a public vote at Ecobuild 2011 where the design with the most votes will win, and be presented with a trophy by Professor Cox.

The project and lessons meet the requirements of the national curriculum to improve general numeracy skills. So regardless of whether a student decides to pursue a challenging career in construction they will still be learning something really valuable in a thoroughly engaging way.

ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS

About the CIOB

The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) represents for the public benefit the most diverse set of professionals in the construction industry.

Our Mission

To contribute to the creation of a modern, progressive, and responsible construction industry; able to meet the economic, environmental and social challenges faced in the 21st century.

Our 7 Guiding Principles

. Creating extraordinary people through professional learning and continuous personal development.
. Promoting the built environment as central to the quality of life for everyone everywhere.
. Achieving a sustainable future, worldwide.
. Advocating exemplary ethical practice and behaviour, integrity and transparency.. Pursuing excellence in management practice, and technological innovation rooted in evidence based science.

. Being socially responsible and working responsibly.
. Enabling our members to find an emotional resonance with the Institute; their success is our success.

We have over 47,000 members around the world and are considered to be the international voice of the building professional, representing an unequalled body of knowledge concerning the management of the total building process.

Chartered Member status is recognised internationally as the mark of a true, skilled professional in the construction industry and CIOB members have a common commitment to achieving and maintaining the highest possible standards within the built environment.

Further information is available by contacting Saul Townsend CIOB Press and Communications Manager on t: 01344 630 766 or e: stownsend@ciob.org.uk.

*To unsubscribe from the CIOB's press distribution service please reply to this email with the word 'REMOVE' in the subject field. Or contact the press office directly on t: +44 (0) 1344 630 766.

About b-live

In partnership with schools and employers, The b-live Foundation supports a community of over 220,000 young people (aged from 11 to 19) to help manage and maximise their personal and career development.

Putting the social mobility of young people at the heart of its service, the Foundation engages uniquely with students at an individual level to build confidence, raise aspirations and develop key employability skills.

Much of this engagement is achieved through The Foundation's state-of-the art website, b-live.com, which provides impartial, engaging and high-quality careers IAG (information and guidance). Through the site, young people can access personalised careers and learning information, use a CV generator, apply for jobs and apprenticeships - all specifically created to help young people make informed career decisions and support their transition from education into employment whatever their background.

The b-live Foundation Employability Programme

Created in partnership with leading employers, the b-live Employability Programme provides schools with a much-needed work-related curriculum that progressively develops the employability skills and prospects of their students. This innovative programme launched in September 2010.

Further information is available at www.b-live.com

Kind Regards

Saul Townsend MCIPR
Press & Communications Manager
The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)
t: + 44 (0) 1344 630 766 f: + 44 (0) 1344 630 770
e: stownsend@ciob.org.uk Twitter: CIOBsaul
w: www.ciob.org www.artofbuilding.org

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