Air Products Take Top Spot at ECITB’s ACTIVE Cup
This weekend saw a team from Air Products PLC triumph at the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board’s (ECITB) Project Management Competition, known as the ACTIVE
Cup.
The competition, which runs twice a year, is run jointly by the ECITB and Cranfield School of Management in Bedford, as part of a programme of project management training and is sponsored by the ECITB.
This January saw 12 teams from major companies including Bechtel, Foster Wheeler, Amec Clean Energy, Jacobs UK, Air Products and KBR compete in a computer simulated Environmental Defence Project.
The winning team from Air Products; Luke Harrison (Project Manager), Liam Hopkins, Chloe, Lian, Stuart Graham and Raghav Saboo were thrilled when they were announced in top spot, making it the third victory for Air Products at the ACTIVE Cup.
Luke Harrison voiced the thoughts of the team: “The high-energy environment created by the ACTIVE Cup simulation was thoroughly convincing yet safe enough for our team to test and develop successful relationships, having not worked together previously. The whole team’s dedication and positive approach allowed us to work hard, push ourselves to the limit and yet enjoy the experience immensely. Each of us left feeling that we had broadened our horizons and gained transferable skills to take back to the workplace.”
The ACTIVE Cup has been running for an impressive 16 years and the winning spot is highly prized. Twice a year, up to twelve teams are entered by employers from the engineering construction industry to enhance the skills of their employees, through the management of a computer simulated fixed price construction project.
ECITB Chairman, Andrew Collinson, presented the successful team with the winner’s trophy and said: “The ACTIVE Cup is a fantastic way for employers to introduce their graduates and apprentices to the importance of delivering infrastructure projects, from design and inception to full working completion. It gives them an insight into all the processes and procedures involved. The Cup’s success is proven in the longevity of the event and an increased participation from employers over the years.”
Over the course of the three day event, the teams receive tutorials before being asked to demonstrate an understanding of project management processes throughout the cycle of project. This requires showing an understanding of the relationship between costs, schedules and cash flow, project risk management, commercial awareness and personal organisation and behavior.
The winning team is judged to be the one making the most profit against their initial bid price and in the judgement of the adjudicators, pays most heed to and operates in accordance with the ACTIVE principles.
At least £250 billion is expected to be invested in new projects over the next decade. The ECITB has a focused effort on ensuring project management skills are delivered to secure aworkforce able to supply these essential infrastructure projects.
For more information about the ECITB go to:www.ecitb.org.uk and for more information about Cranfield University: www.cranfield.ac.uk
01923 402135
About the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board
The ECITB is the statutory and charitable body set up to secure engineering construction skills now and for the future. It has delivered training successfully to over one million learners over 20 years, and is led and funded by employers from the industry, ensuring the services are relevant and fit for purposeThe ECITB provides professional advice, information, skills development and qualifications to help individuals in engineering construction and anyone interested in a career in the industry to succeed. A dedicated website has been set up to provide more detailed information http://careers.ecitb.org.uk/ The ECITB sets a range of occupational and training standards, awards industry specific qualifications and invests £20 million each year in support of apprentices and adult learners across a range of skills. From entry level craft and technician programmes through to advanced engineering project management skills. In 2011, 65,000 people were supported through the ECITB’s range of approved programmes delivered by a network of over 200 approved providers. The ECITB strategy is built on three objectives, these are to attract, qualify and develop talented people for the industry. The ECITB operating processes that secure the depth, breadth and quality of service are: employer engagement, identification of skills needs and priorities, stakeholder and provider engagement, delivery and continuous improvement. The ECITB provides support to employers, their employees and apprentices to design, build, maintain and decommission nuclear, power, pharmaceutical, renewables, chemicals, food, water, oil & gas facilities and other processes.
For more information visit www.ecitb.org.uk
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