The late Prince Philip worked hard to support young people starting their careers; the CIOB’s first Student Festival has similar goals, explains Caroline Gumble
Last month CIOB held its first Student Festival. I was delighted to see so many of our student community come together.
I am always impressed that many students and young professionals within the CIOB community already demonstrate real leadership, without having a formal leadership role. They drive innovation and speak out about safety, inclusion and diversity; they help keep the topics that drive positive industry change on the agenda.
Among the many people deserving a shoutout from the festival are the first ever gold medal winners of the CIOB Rising Star award: Vasiliki Bowler and Kelly Attwood. I’m pleased we were able to offer them a platform as they aren’t just Rising Stars in name.
“The Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme was established to help young people gain essential skills, experience and confidence – words which could have described what we wanted to do with the Student Festival”
It also seemed fitting that our event should fall in the week that Prince Philip, His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, passed away. He was an honorary fellow of the CIOB and well known for his work to support young people at the start of their careers with the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme. This was established to help young people gain essential skills, experience and confidence – words which could have described what we wanted to do with the Student Festival.
I encourage our students to think about their development – engage with industry events, take up networking opportunities, build on your experience.
Thanks to everyone who gave their time to support our Student Festival, sharing industry insights with the next generation of employees, managers and leaders.
Caroline Gumble is CEO of the CIOB.
