Youngstown State University’s CCET students present at Ohio Contractors Association annual Estimating Competition

Youngstown State University Civil and Construction Engineering Technology students recently presented at the Ohio Contractors Association Estimating Competition, an event that challenges civil and construction engineering students from across Ohio to apply their project estimation skills in a real-world context. YSU’s team demonstrated not only their technical expertise but also their ability to collaborate under pressure and learn from industry professionals.

For the students, the experience was more than just about competing—it was a chance to bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical, hands-on problem-solving. As Dillen Knowles, one of the competing students put it, “It was a great experience. 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, who appreciated the opportunity to take on challenges beyond textbooks and work in a high-pressure, real-world setting.

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 benefitted from the mentorship provided by Beaver Excavating, a local company that partnered with YSU to guide the students through the process.

Joe Brown, lead project manager and Ryan Pepper, lead project manager from Beaver Excavating served as mentors leading up to the competition, dedicating time and resources to aid in the students’ advancement. “They don’t just teach us—they mentor us. They care about our careers, our decisions, and they’re always ready to guide us,” said Knowles.

The competition also provided valuable 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, YSU’s team plans 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. The event provided a comprehensive experience, with teams working from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the first day to prepare their bids. On the second day, teams presented their bids to a panel of judges, who evaluated them based on accuracy, organization, and communication skills.