A Northumbria
University academic is working to support, inspire and develop future
generations within the construction industry.
Professor Bob Giddings from the Department of Architecture
and Built Environment is a mentor for a prestigious scholarship programme supported
by The Worshipful Company of Constructors Scholarships and the Chartered
Institute of Building (CIOB), which accredits a number of Northumbria’s courses.
The scholarship sees young professionals working within the
construction industry carrying out a programme of research whilst still in
fulltime employment. The results of the research are presented as a written
dissertation, followed by an oral presentation. A number of previous scholars
have presented their findings to a Parliamentary committees and professional organisations.
Each scholarship is jointly funded by the Worshipful Company
and the Chartered institute, covering areas including construction management,
architectural design, project management, cost management, sustainability, conservation,
maintenance and refurbishment. The scholars are guided by mentors, of which Bob
is one, who attend a programme of regular review and update meetings during the
scholar’s period of research.
Speaking about his role as a mentor in the programme Bob
said: “I find it an interesting and rewarding challenge to help bright young
people to form their proposals into feasible and useful studies. I view it
as an extension of my work with undergraduates, postgraduates and PhD students
in the University; continuing to develop leading professionals for the
construction industry.”
This year’s scholar is, Anna Koukoullis. Anna is Head of
Social Value at Wilmott Dixon Interiors and alongside her day job, she is a
business and career mentor, chairs the company’s Equality, Diversity and
Inclusion team and is a Social Mobility Champion.
Anna undertook research into training and employment opportunities in construction with young
people who are not in education, employment and training, known as NEETs to
discover what the barriers to them joining the industry are.
When asked about her experience of the scholarship, Anna
said: “The scholarship is both challenging and empowering. It has helped me to
develop my confidence and find my voice as a leader to add value to the built
environment.
“Bob has provided much needed mentoring and support to equip
me with the skills to be able to carry out and present this research. He has
been on hand throughout the process, answering questions and offering much
needed feedback.”
If you are interested in finding out more about Northumbria’s
Architecture and Built Environment courses, which are available at
undergraduate, postgraduate, distance learning and degree apprentice levels, visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/abe for
more information.
