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Almost 100 CIOB members and guests celebrated the success of local students at the 2012 Annual Lecture and Awards ceremony on Wednesday 25th January 2012, hosted by CIOB and CITB-ConstructionSkills NI.

After a buffet reception, the presentation entitled ‘Building for a Giant Cause’ was delivered in partnership between Gilbert-Ash, the National Trust and Edmond Shipway. The focus of the lecture was on the new ‘world class’ visitors centre at the Giants Causeway World Heritage Site, which is currently under construction at the north Antrim coast.

Event speakers L-R: Finbarr McMeel ( Design Manager Gilbert - Ash, John Davis ( Contracts manager Gilbert - Ash, Pat Mullan ( Director Edmond Shipping) Martin Cushnahan, Graham Thompson (Project manager National trust ), Raymond Gilroy ( Contracts Director Gilbert - Ash), Barry Neilson

The project commenced in December 2010, has a build period of 18 months and is due to complete in June 2012. The project faced many forms of construction issues along the way which included dealing with the complex design, sustainability and environmental considerations.

The original facility was damaged during a fire back in 2002, with the selection of the new design was made through an international design competition. Information highlighted, during the presentation included securing of funding for the project, attaining planning permission and the procurement of a contractor.

Other issues also mentioned by the speakers included the importance of meeting the needs of the client, contractor design components, risk share and procurement packages. It also emphasied the importance of a reliable partnering approach as a key element in the success of the project. This included knowledge based decision making, good communication, integrated teams and shared objectives.

Certificates and awards were presented to over 22 candidates who successfully passed their CIOB and construction qualifications last year through Stavley, WYG and QTAS centres.  Gareth Patterson a Building Officer from Cookstown Building Control was presented with the Best Overall CIOB candidate Performance Award in Northern Ireland for his outstanding results in the EPA programme during 2011.

Barry Neilson, Chief Executive CITB-ConstructionSkills NI presented the students with their certificates said, “I would like to extend my congratulations to all the students who have worked incredibly hard to achieve CIOB status. Like all sectors, construction is battling hard to fight through the economic downturn and it is encouraging to see all the students investing in their own careers which helps enhance the skills base of the construction workforce.”

Martin Cushnahan, Chair, CIOB Northern Centre also commended the students on their achievements, and went on to say “CIOB members are skilled managers and professionals with a common commitment to achieving and maintaining the highest possible standards.”  (More photographs on this event to be found on Facebook at this link).

If you are interested in CIOB supervisory or management level qualifications, please contact Bronagh McCotter, CIOB in Ireland Centre Administrator Tel 08450706157 or email bmccotter@ciob.org.uk