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Last modified March 3, 2008 by Matt Machell
Qatar beckons for prize winning planning students
Six students from Birmingham City University will pack their bags this Easter and head to Qatar, in an effort to join the team constructing one of the country’s most ambitious projects – The Pearl-Qatar.
Sabban Property Investments (SPI), based in Dubai, last year asked students from Birmingham City University’s Property, Construction and Planning department to submit their ideas on planning and working in the country.
The Pearl-Qatar is a luxury residential island resort, is under construction on reclaimed land, off Doha. Sabban Property Investments is currently building Sabban Towers - the first carbon neutral project in the Middle East.
Initial winners were selected from 49 entries and will fly out to Qatar over Easter to enjoy a 12 day work placement. At the end of the trip the two most outstanding students will be awarded a 12 month salaried work placement, with SPI.
Jean Badman, head of school, believes collaborations between industry and education will have benefits for both students and employers. She explains:
“This is a brilliant opportunity for students to put theory into practice in an environment where they will experience construction from a truly international prospective. I’m delighted to strengthen our links with an international company in this way.”
Birmingham-born entrepreneur John Browne, MBE, is managing director of SPI Ltd and is a graduate of Birmingham City University. His experience of construction in the Middle East spans from 1978 in Saudi Arabia through to today in Dubai and Qatar, currently working the prestigious Pearl-Qatar project in Doha, Qatar He hopes the work placements will provide his company access to some of the brightest emerging talent. He explains:
“As part of Sabban Property Investment’s continuing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policy, we make every effort to focus on the education sector and nurturing talent through experience. Our involvement in local educational institutions has been significant to date and now we wish to expand and invite international students to witness and experience the increasingly successful development sector in the Middle East.”
“CSR is a long-term strategy and about wise planning for the future,” continues Browne. We are not only showing real interest in the students’ future but also, looking to the future growth of SPI and the industry as a whole.”
The following students will travel to Qatar at Easter:
Rosanna Sterry – from Bristol, is a 2nd year planning and development student, who holds a Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award, was a Tall Ships crew member in 2004 and is a member of the Air Cadets shooting team.
Benedict Gannon – from Kings Norton, Birmingham, is a second year real estate student, who also holds a degree in American studies and works as a youth group leader.
Thomas Nicholls – from Selly Park, Birmingham, is a second year building surveying student, who is also an experienced timber machinist who enjoys snowboarding.
Andreas Kounass – originally from Cyprus but now living in Perry Barr, Birmingham, is a second year quantity surveying student, who previously spent 13 months in the army, was president of his high school and enjoys playing football.
Michaela Campbell Lynch - from Sutton Coldfield, is a second year architects technician student, who has a Duke of Edinburgh gold Award and runs a youth group.
Imran Salam – from Birmingham, is a second year quantity surveying student, who is also a cricket player and qualified coach.
Photo Left to right: Chris Conway, Andreas Kounass, Rosie Sterry, Michaela Campbell Lynch, Benedict Gannon, Tom Nichols, Tony Kelly
Added by Matt Machell on February 27, 2008