Established at the end of 2016 as a response to the graduate and youth unemployment crisis, EDHE is the national driver for Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) development, third-stream income at universities, as well as for student and graduate entrepreneurship.
It is within this context that Prof Crafford conceptualised his project within the framework of the Professional Practice 4 (QPPV410) module at Mandela University.
Its design aimed to bridge the gap between academic theory and the practical demands of the Quantity Surveying profession.
“The initiative was conceived to provide final-year BSc Quantity Surveying Honours students with a platform to develop entrepreneurial and business acumen, which are crucial for their professional growth,” explained Prof Crafford.
Sustainability, innovation, and professional readiness were integral to the project’s design. The project was enriched by collaboration with industry experts, institutional support structures, and academic resources, through guest lectures and mentorship.
Prof Crafford explained that the “Building Tomorrow’s Innovators” project specifically prepares Quantity Surveying students to navigate the unique professional and entrepreneurial challenges of the built environment sector.
“A key consideration is that Quantity Surveying graduates cannot establish their own firms immediately upon graduation. According to professional regulations, graduates must gain three years of industry experience and complete their Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) to register as Professional Quantity Surveys (PrQS).”
This creates a transitional period during which graduates must gain the skills, confidence, and connections necessary for entrepreneurial success.
How the initiative bridges the gap:
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Entrepreneurial skill building: The project equips students with essential business planning, and strategic thinking management skills, which are crucial once they have established their firms.
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Readiness for leadership: By simulating the process of creating a business plan and pitching it to potential investors, the initiative ensures that students are prepared to transition into leadership roles.
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Pathway to job creation: During the mandated three-year experience period, graduates are empowered to think innovatively within their employment contexts, potentially developing new services, processes, or business models that add value to their firms and the industry.
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Impact on youth employment: Preparing students to eventually create their own businesses, not only enhances their employability but also positions them as future job creators. The initiative emphasises the dual role of Quantity Surveyors as both professionals and entrepreneurs.
“This initiative, recognised at the EDHE Awards, highlights how higher education programmes can strategically prepare students for long-term professional and entrepreneurial success,” says Prof Crafford.
“It also reflects the critical role universities play in addressing youth employment through innovation and targeted skill development.”
“By equipping students with the tools to succeed beyond their academic journeys, the project contributes to the growth of sustainable business, economic resilience, and the broader transformation of the built environment”.
Prof Crafford expressed his gratitude for the award in his first submission at the EDHE Awards.
“This award affirms the value of integrating entrepreneurial learning into academic programmes and highlights the transformative impact of empowering students with practical, future-focused skills.”
“It represents validation for the effort investing in crafting an initiative that not only bridges academic theory and professional practice but also inspires students to envision themselves as leaders and innovators in their field.”
He adds that the achievement emphasises the role educators play in shaping not just academically capable graduates, but also forward-thinking professionals who are equipped to lead in an ever-evolving industry.
“Ultimately, this award is not just a personal achievement – it is a collective victory for the students, colleagues, and industry partners who have embraced the vision of building tomorrow’s innovators,” he said
Prof Crafford’s research and teaching journey are deeply interconnected, driven by a shared goal of advancing the built environment and empowering Quantity Surveying students to excel as professionals and innovators.
At the heart of this approach is a commitment to bridging the gap between academic theory and real-world practice, ensuring that students are equipped to tackle the challenges of a rapidly evolving industry. Digital transformation and sustainability form core pillars of his work.
He has also been the recipient of various awards for his research. Among these is the Best Academic Paper, Best Learning and Teaching Paper Award, and the Best Contribution to Conference Award at the 14th South African Council for the Quantity Surveying Profession (SACQSP) International Research Conference, for his MPhil work co-authored with Prof Liezel Frick (Stellenbosch).
Driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact in academia, the built environment profession, and the broader community, Prof Crafford’s aspirations reflect a deep commitment to continuous growth, collaboration, and creating opportunities for others.