National ASC Competition Readies Construction Management Students for Real-World Industry Challenges
This week, several Cupertino Electric Inc. employees and I are attending the 2014 Associated Schools of Construction (ASC) Student Competition, a national event that gives students real-world experience in preparation for a career in construction and engineering. Cupertino Electric is proud to sponsor the "open" category electrical problem each year. In its 27th year, the competition running February 5 through 8, 2014, will draw more than 1,000 students from across the United States to the competition and job fair in Sparks, Nevada.
The competition gives students the opportunity to apply estimating, scheduling, teamwork and communication skills and knowledge to a simulated construction bid process. As the founding sponsor of the competition's electrical problem, Cupertino Electric's estimating and engineering teams create a simulated project to introduce students to the daily tasks that a project team faces in the early stages of a complex construction project.
If you're a college student interested in a career in specialty contracting, the ASC competition is a great place to explore opportunities. It's also one of our largest college recruiting events.
"The ASC Competition is a great opportunity to expose students to exciting and innovative careers in specialty contracting at nationally-ranked companies like Cupertino Electric," said Eileen Nelson, senior vice president of human resources for Cupertino Electric. "Because of our national project portfolio, being involved in programs like ASC is essential to helping us find aspiring professionals in the distant places where we have increasing opportunities."
Any student of an ASC-affiliated school is eligible to participate in the competition. This year's electrical problem student teams represent Arizona State University, Auburn University, California Polytechnic State University, California State University, Chico, California State University, Sacramento, and Purdue University.
During the two-day competition, student teams are judged on their project planning, design and presentation skills by a panel of experts. The top three teams are awarded recognition and money for their school's ASC program. One individual student will also receive the "Most Valuable Participant" award by Cupertino Electric for best exemplifying drive, commitment and passion for electrical contracting.
