YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Civil and construction engineering technology students at Youngstown State University presented at the Ohio Contractors Association Estimating Competition, an event that challenges civil and construction engineering students from across the state to apply their project estimation skills in a real-world context.
YSU team members demonstrated not only their technical expertise but also their ability to collaborate under pressure and learn from industry professionals.
It was a chance for students to bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical, hands-on problem-solving.
“It was a great experience,” said Dillen Knowles, one of the student participants. “I definitely learned a lot more from this than just coming straight out of class, because it’s actual, real-world experience.”
This sentiment was echoed by many of the students.
The presenters were eager to apply their skills to a larger-scale project.
“It was a great opportunity to see a real-world project come together,” said Zach Witherow, another student participant, highlighting the importance of the competition as a learning experience.
The preparation leading up to the event was particularly impactful for the students, many of whom benefited from the mentorship provided by Beaver Excavating, a local company that partnered with YSU to guide the students through the process.
“They don’t just teach us – they mentor us,” Knowles said. “They care about our careers, our decisions, and they’re always ready to guide us.”
The competition also provided networking opportunities. Upon entry into the competition, students were required to submit their resumes and were offered the opportunity to meet with employers present during the competition.
Moving forward, members of YSU’s team plan to continue refining their skills and preparing for future competitions.
Joe Sanson, associate professor and program mentor, commented on the team’s efforts, stating, “You have to keep pushing yourself, learning from everyone around you. It’s a huge industry with lots of potential. There’s always something new to learn.”
The competition included teams from universities across Ohio. Each team was tasked with submitting their bid for a construction project, aiming to be the closest to the actual estimate.
Pictured at top: YSU civil and construction engineering technology students.