Posted: 22 October 2025
Welcoming students from across Yorkshire & the Humber, the University Campus North Lincolnshire (UCNL) was the venue for The Chartered Institute of Building’s (CIOB) Tomorrow’s Leaders Student Challenge 2025.
As part of the inaugural event, participants teamed up to solve a real-world infrastructure challenge, unlock next-level skills, and subsequently pitch bold ideas to industry experts.
The challenge presented a unique opportunity for a new wave of future construction professionals to collaborate and connect, with 10 teams in total from UCNL, Sheffield Hallam University, University of Huddersfield and Leeds Beckett University all entering.
It was then over to the CIOB judging panel, who ultimately handed out ‘Winners’ and ‘Best Leader’ awards to Sheffield Hallam University and a ‘Best Innovative’ accolade to Leeds Beckett University.
Each team more than played their part on the day, however, and contributed creative solutions to hurdles which are present in construction today.
Maggie Simons, CIOB Member Service and Events Coordinator for Yorkshire & Humber said: “The inaugural CIOB Tomorrow’s Leaders Yorkshire and Humber Student Challenge was a resounding success. Students — many meeting for the first time — embraced the day, showcased their skills, tackled real‑world scenarios, and connected with industry professionals.
“Events like this are vital to allow students to develop their skills, refine their professional readiness and networking and encourage collaborative working as well as helping employers to identify and engage talented future professionals, supporting sector growth.
“Thank you to all students, to UCNL for excellent hosting, and to our sponsors: Gold — Henry Boot Construction; Silver — Total Training & Development Ltd; Silver — British Steel; Bronze — Hays Recruitment.
“Congratulations to the winners for outstanding demonstrations of expertise and passion. We look forward to developing the event further and expanding its impact next year.”
Paul Stapleton, Curriculum Lead, Construction and ESTA Apprenticeships (DN Colleges Group) commented: “At DN Colleges Group, we’re committed to developing the next generation of construction professionals through high-quality apprenticeship and higher education pathways.
“The CIOB Tomorrow’s Leaders event is an outstanding example of how education and industry can come together to inspire innovation, leadership, and collaboration across the sector.
“Engaging our apprentices with the CIOB gives them a tangible understanding of professional standards and expectations, helping them to see their studies as the first step in a rewarding career that contributes to shaping the built environment of the future.”
William Vidogah, Programme Lead, Construction (DN Colleges Group) added: “The CIOB Tomorrow’s Leaders competition gives our students the chance to showcase their creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills in a real-world context.
“It’s an excellent opportunity for learners to engage directly with industry professionals and to experience the pace and professionalism of modern construction.
“Collaborations like this between DN Colleges Group and the CIOB not only motivate our students but also help strengthen the pipeline of skilled, forward-thinking professionals entering the construction industry.”