Member Article

Newcastle College Young Talent Steps into Virtual Reality

NORTH East architecture and technology business Space Group has opened its doors to 15 Newcastle College construction students to demonstrate what a career in the industry involves.

Led by Space Group training manager Dayle Zieleniewski, students participated in a series of interactive sessions to prepare them for the digitally-advanced construction landscape before they set off into the world of work.

The focus of the day visit was to showcase digital processes used on live projects and inspire the students with technology used at the forefront of construction.

One session titled Insight into the Built Environment and Construction was designed to improve employability by offering advice on the digital abilities expected of a creative professional in the construction industry.

Other hands-on activities included working with 3D laser scanners supplied by FARO, Virtual Reality (VR) headsets, iPhone Augmented Reality apps and presentations on Building Information Modelling (BIM).

The students were also given a tour of the Spaceworks offices to see first-hand how a modern office works and guest sessions by CEO Rob Charlton and technology director Adam Ward on the impact of young professionals on the future development of construction.

Dayle said: “Space Group has discovered students are still required to deliver technical drawings on boards as part of the educational curriculum – a process no longer seen in many offices for well over 10 years. We often find that young creative talent is held up by software skills, which limits their vocational capacity when they enter the industry.

“As many of these learners are looking to continue onto university or apprenticeships, we hope that they are more selective in their choices. Recognising and developing the skills needed for the future early will help them secure the positions they want to be in and drive change.

“We thought it made sense to invite the students to experience the Spaceworks culture and working atmosphere, and ultimately learn in a new environment.”

Space Group CEO Rob Charlton said: “Our aim is that the students become open-minded to the world of possibilities available to them through the use of technology in construction in order for them to excel, and see it as an exciting and innovative arena that is rapidly evolving.”

Space Group also funds BIM Campus courses to transition students stepping out of education into work. First introduced in 2013 by the UK’s leading BIM consultancy BIM.Technologies, BIM Campus Newcastle is a purpose-built BIM training suite based in Spaceworks fitted with state-of-the-art hardware and technology.

BIM Campus has completed four successful rounds, securing over 40 jobs for its students to date, and is currently expanding to London and Manchester.

Rob added: “The end goal of all of our investment in young people is to bridge the skills gap in the industry and encourage education to adapt.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Space Group .