Middle Bucks Institute Wins Recognition At International Home Builders' Show

JAMISON, PA — A team from the Middle Bucks Institute of Technology (MBIT) earned national recognition at the 2026 National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Student Competition, capturing the Rookie of the Year award in the secondary construction management category.

The competition was held in Orlando, Florida, as part of the International Builders’ Show (IBS), the largest annual home building trade show in the United States. The event brought together 84 secondary and post-secondary schools from across the country competing in four categories.

Making its first appearance at the national level, MBIT earned recognition for the quality of its written proposal and live presentation. Its participation was supported in part by the Home Builders Association of Bucks and Montgomery Counties, whose sponsorship helped make the experience possible and reflects an ongoing commitment to workforce development in the region.

Under the leadership of electrical technology teacher Randy McDowell, the team spent several months preparing for the industry-aligned challenge. The NAHB Student Competition presents participants with a real-world residential construction scenario requiring the development of a comprehensive professional proposal. In the construction management track, teams complete detailed cost estimating for materials and labor, develop project schedules and sequencing plans, create architectural drawings, and produce market analysis with cash flow projections.

After submitting their written proposal, teams presented and defended their solutions live before a panel of construction executives. The judges evaluated the proposals on their application of real-world construction management principles, the professionalism of their proposal, and the clarity and confidence of their presentation.

“Coaching our IBS competition team and attending the 2026 IBS Show was an incredible experience," said McDowell. "Watching our team’s dedication, creativity, and professionalism shine on such a respected industry stage reinforced why I’m so excited and proud to be mentoring our next generation of construction industry leaders.”

“This recognition reflects the strength of our partnership with industry and the high expectations we set for our students,” said Dr. Mark Covelle, Administrative Director of MBIT. “When students are given real responsibility and authentic challenges, they rise to meet them.”

For MBIT students, the experience extends far beyond competition.

“This IBS competition project was a great teamwork-building experience," said Declan Felmey, a Level 200 Electrical Technology student. "Meeting new people from other states and trades helped me to understand what all goes into building a home. Speaking to different types of companies helped me realize all the different career paths within the construction industry. I can’t wait to participate again next year.”

Earning Rookie of the Year in its first year of competing highlights the strength of the MBIT Architecture and Construction pathway and its commitment to providing authentic, industry-aligned learning experiences, according to McDowell.

Beyond the award itself, the competition offered students the opportunity to present their work before national industry leaders and network with contractors, builders, and recruiters from across the country. For MBIT students, the experience represented both national recognition and affirmation that their preparation stands up on a professional stage

MBIT is a vocational training school based in Jamison serving students from the Central Bucks, Council Rock, Centennial and the New Hope-Solebury school districts.