In 1935 my father began an apprenticeship in bricklaying, and although he went on to other things, those skills remained with him for the whole of his life. Today we can confidently say that young people joining the industry will be faced with dramatic change throughout their working life. Why? Because at last the construction industry is joining the digital age.
On a recent visit to Loughborough University I was able to see examples of 3D printing from computer models, producing full-size concrete components with contours not possible with formwork. At the heart of this is digitised building information which can be designed or scanned, and “printed” to produce exact replicas of the computer models. So new words here for the construction industry – precision and perfect information. Not possible in construction? Well yes, these are early days in development, but manufacturing has been using CAD/CAM for many years, and the technologies to support BIM are certainly available.
At a recent meeting with representatives of Novus (younger CIOB members) we discussed the computer platforms which they use on a daily basis. Our younger members are using smart phones and tablets (often provided by their employers), and generally do not regularly use laptops or desktop computers. “I can pay the gas bill whilst sitting in front of the TV faster than I can boot up a laptop,” said one. And these mobile technologies are increasingly used in their workplaces.
Construction is changing. Over the past three months 89 teams of young professionals, with up to six in a team, joined in a computerised business challenge called Merit. Six teams reached the finals held in the UK, including two from MTR Hong Kong, one from Atkins India (whose team was reduced as the UK Border Agency did not issue all the team members with visas), and three teams from the UK. A team from Arup was the winner. The 16 stages of this competition required discipline, a range of business skills, an understanding of risk, procurement and economy, and a fair degree of nerve.
These young people are the future leadership of construction and I feel confident that the future is in safe hands.
Michael Brown is deputy chief executive of the CIOB. Chris Blythe is away
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