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Women in Property Central Scotland celebrates regional property and construction

Posted: 24th May 2019

Student Awards with Heriot Watt student named regional winner

The talent, skills and ambition of the region’s female property and construction student undergraduates were celebrated at the annual Central Scotland Women in Property Student Awards, held at Morton Fraser on Tuesday evening, 21st May.

The Student Awards, seek out the best Built Environment degree students, highlighting to industry the necessity to link with Universities early in the education process and also improve the students’ knowledge of the career options available to them. Many secure work placements as a direct result of competing in the Awards, which often translate into permanent positions upon graduation.

The 2019 Central Scotland Award went to Jessica McGinniss, a student at Heriot Watt University, where she is in her third year studying BEng Architecture.  The judges, a panel comprising professionals in Architecture, Engineering, Development and Surveying described Jessica as “confident and engaging, with a willingness to learn and adapt to her environment.  Her presentation was well thought out and delivered.  She highlighted how the industry needs to adapt and embrace new technologies in order for our buildings to adapt to our ever-changing environment.”

In addition to the regional winner, two students were awarded Highly Commended.  Sophie Coffey is studying Electronic and Electrical Engineering at Strathclyde and Alexandra Abadjieva is studying MA Architecture at Edinburgh.

Samantha McCabe, branch Chairman of Women in Property and Associate at Oberlanders Architects said, “This generation of property and construction professionals is entering the industry at a critical time, when every one of us must adopt a duty of care for our environment and our communities.  These inspirational young women have demonstrated the skills, commitment and ingenuity the country will need in future and we are delighted to have met them during the course of this competition.  Congratulations to all of them and, in particular to Jessica – we wish her every success in the national final.”

Paul Porter, from Curtins who sponsored the Central Scotland Awards, said, “I believe our industry is in safe hands, having witnessed the calibre of students who took part in the awards. The judges were truly inspired by the presentations and confidence of the students. I wish them all well in their future careers and wish Jessica all the best in the National Final.”

Jessica received a trophy, £300 and the opportunity to take part in Women in Property’s acclaimed mentoring programme.  She will represent the Central Scotland branch on 18th September, when she goes before a National judging panel, competing against 13 other regional finalists for the National Student Awards, which are sponsored by Bouygues, Linden Homes and Savills.

The winner will be announced at the Best of the Best Awards dinner, to be held at Claridge’s on 18th September.  This year 137 students were nominated for the Awards, across eight of Women in Property’s branches.  14 were selected to go through to the Final.

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