Vital Skills Help Make Every Penny Count
A new course developed by the University of Derby Corporate and VINCI Construction UK could boost project efficiency within the construction industry.
With an industry shortage of estimators, the two organisations have teamed up to develop an Advanced Diploma in Estimating.
Accurately forecasting the cost of upcoming projects is vital to the survival of any company. In the construction industry, estimators can determine if a building project will be profitable or if there is merit in bidding for particular contracts.
Around ten staff from VINCI Construction UK are currently on the course and are studying for part of the qualification at the University's flagship Enterprise Centre in Bridge Street, Derby - a building VINCI Construction UK helped develop in 2008.
For the rest their course, VINCI Construction UK employees will take part in a work-based project and upon its successful completion in January next year will receive 60 credits at higher education level 6 - to put towards a full degree.
University of Derby Corporate is the business-to-business arm of the University working with a range of employers to boost innovation, improve staff development needs and tailor bespoke courses to their requirements.
Dawn Whitemore, Head of University of Derby Corporate said: "The Enterprise Centre is building a reputation as one of the most exciting new business centres in the region. VINCI Construction UK played a significant part in ensuring the construction project was a success, completed on time and on budget.
"It is fantastic news that we have been able to help some of its staff to develop new skills and expertise. We can now say that VINCI Construction UK built our building and we are helping their people build new skills!"
One of the VINCI Construction UK students on the course is Quantity Surveyor Alasdair McHardy, 21, who is based at its Warrington regional office and is currently working on King David Campus, a Building Schools for the Future (BSF) scheme for Liverpool City Council.
He said: "Knowledge and understanding of the procedure of building up unit rates is paramount when estimating the cost of future projects and variations to a contract. These new skills can be used to help evaluate value engineering options, offering the client better value and giving VINCI Construction UK that competitive edge."
Joanne Mercer, Head of Learning and Development at VINCI Construction UK said: "We're really pleased to be partnering again with the University of Derby Corporate, following the success of our 'Advanced Diploma in VINCI PLC Quantity Surveying'.
"The University has created a new programme specifically for us. Our age profile of people in estimating roles is increasing and we have found that there is a distinct lack of these skills in the marketplace.
"This shortage is likely to worsen and therefore the support we have received from UDC has immediately enabled us to work with our existing talent to broaden their competence and help us meet future needs."
The Enterprise Centre itself has recently won a Brighter City of Derby Award. The centre, designed by Pick Everard and built by VINCI Construction UK, was judged best new building in the 2011 George Larkin Brighter City of Derby Awards.
The Enterprise Centre houses a dedicated Innovation Zone for start-up businesses alongside offices, conference, training, café and dining facilities.
The building fits into the city council's regeneration plans for the surrounding area and the three-story brick-faced structure is built in a C-shaped footprint. Sustainable features of the new centre include rainwater harvesting and natural ventilation assisted by wind catchers and sensor activated windows.
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