Free BIM training opportunity for North East youngsters

North East-based building information modelling (BIM) specialists, BIM.Technologies have launched a training division in partnership with Northern Construction Training.

A new BIM ‘CAMPUS’ has been established at South Gosforth’s Spaceworks, where 19 to 24-year-olds who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) will be offered free 12-week training courses.

BIM.Technologies are encouraging individuals to apply for the final few places, available in the lead-up to the August 5 start date.

BIM Trainer Peter Morton said: “There are only a limited number of places available on this unique foundation course for BIM but we are looking for individuals to enrol who are prepared to make a time investment and who are enthusiastic about finding a job in the construction industry.

“It is also important to highlight that the employment opportunities on completion of the course will be construction industry-wide and not just open to those pursuing a career as a future architect.”

Through learning the processes and giving first hand industry exposure, the skills secured will be instantly transferable into the workplace and will enable young people to make a valued contribution to their employer in the early stages of their career.

BIM.Technologies – a company that has worked behind the scenes with some of the UK’s biggest clients, contractors and consultants – is the first to make steps towards bridging academia and business in the BIM arena in this pilot scheme.

CAMPUS utilises the most up-to-date hardware and software, and the City & Guilds Accredited course is delivered by an Autodesk Certified Professional with both industry and academic teaching experience.

The course culminates in an evening of the students’ BIM portfolio presentations to prospective employers in the construction industry.

Peter concludes: “At BIM.Technologies, we are committed to bridging the skills gap in the industry and by ‘up-skilling’ our students this way, we hope to facilitate the transition between academic BIM and industry BIM – and ultimately improve the employment prospects of young people.

“The government targets set out in Construction 2025 will only be achievable if we invest in young people and start to think differently now. With this in mind, we will certainly be looking to make this a permanent facility.”

The course runs from 5 August 2013 to 25 October 2013 at Spaceworks in Newcastle upon Tyne, and takes place 9.00am - 4.00pm, Monday toFriday. For more information or to find out how to enrol, visitwww.BIMcampus.co.uk or follow @campusBIM on Twitter.