Young ones invited to get networking with novus

Well, they could find out about Novus, the snappily titled new networking and mentoring organisation aimed at young construction professionals and future members of the CIOB.

Operating under the umbrella of CIOB London Branch, the organisation will also help to address perceptions that the institute is fundamentally for the over-40s by providing a friendly, sociable and informal introduction to what the CIOB offers.

‘We sat down and looked at what a group for younger members would do, and ways to deliver that strategy,’ says Ayo Allu, a design co-ordinator at Willmott Dixon, who is a key member of the committee.

Novus will offer a programme of CPD and social events alongside London branch activities. Membership will also be open to young professionals in related disciplnes, such as quantity surveying or architecture, to help members create the informal connections with their peers that will support them as their careers develop.

‘The CPD sessions will cover the same issues [as other CIOB events] but be geared to someone who’s new to the industry – and definitely not dumbed down,’ says Allu.

Novus officially goes live on November 26 with a launch event in the Balcony Room at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, a venue chosen to express the theme of old and new.

But it has already been ‘soft’ launched with a meeting in London last month that attracted over 40 graduate members of the CIOB.

Since then, London region branch manager Danielle Baker says the ‘word has spread. The idea has been welcomed by members and non-members – people are definitely receptive to the concept.’

Novus is already forging links with universities and colleges in the South East.