Timely and relevant challenges to solve
Over the course of two intensive days in February, University of Greenwich students put a number of skills to the test when they were tasked with solving a timely challenge relevant to a real business.
#GreHacks is an initiative by the University of Greenwich’s enterprise hub The Generator, which aims to bridge together students and businesses through providing an intense two-day hack-style event.
First imagined before the Covid-pandemic, there have now been five online hacks and two in-person #GreHacks events run in partnership with businesses. February’s event saw the university partner with London-based construction and engineering business Kilnbridge, providing a fantastic opportunity for engineering students of the Medway Campus’ Faculty of Engineering and Science.
Networking and knowledge exchange
Students were posed with three different challenges relevant to Kilnbridge. Challenges asked them to consider strategies to increase recruitment of apprentices; strategies to increase the number of female applicants, and developing a solution for measuring concrete pressure within a framework shutter.
Working in teams, students developed solutions to their challenge and then pitched these solutions to a panel of judges. This allowed students to gain excellent experience in project group work; showcase a wide range of skills and develop new employability and entrepreneurial skills.
The university was introduced to Kilnbridge through Twin Group as part of the MSc Industrial Practice programme it runs in partnership with the company. The partnership supports students in finding placements and honing employability skills such as CV writing and interview technique. Many students have been taken on by their employers upon completion of their placement, generating successes for students, employers and the community as a whole. Now, the IP programme has led to this particular #GreHacks event – one more success story to add to the repertoire and a new partnership with Kilnbridge moving forwards.
Benefits for students and employers
Students valued being able to work under and network with an influential business, exchange knowledge and work towards an end-goal and deadline within a team. Students had further opportunities available to them including the ability to participate in a programme of insightful masterclasses and mentoring sessions.
#GreHacks has had huge benefits for employers as well, with exciting ideas being generated from the project and taken back into workplaces. In addition, introductions have been made from the events that have led to paid internships for students.
