Technical Article - Arise article series ‘Digitalisation in the built environment’ #4: Digital transformations
Technical Article - Arise article series ‘Digitalisation in the built environment’ #4: Digital transformations
Technology is an instrument that helps various companies gain a competitive advantage. Without it, no company will be able to progress. However, without the staff capable of operating it, it is of no use [1]. Research to date has highlighted several reasons for the lack of digital construction adoption, including resistance to change, initial high cost, stakeholder reluctance, lack of successful real-life examples and low technical knowledge of construction professionals.
O’Brien et al. (2021) identified the following challenges relating to the uptake of digital training:
• Lack of motivation and time
• Lack of awareness of digital tools
• Lack of skills and expertise in SMEs
• Fragmented availability of training
• New societal and technological career opportunities
• Mutual recognition of skills [2]
Educators also face challenges such as the knowledge base/skills of educators, resources available (financial and physical) and simple resistance to change by educational institutions and their educators [3]. To help overcome these barriers ARISE will aim to stimulate and inspire the demand for sustainable energy skills from industry and individuals by redesigning the skills exchange, providing transparent upskilling transactions, and recognising the upskilling performed.
(Note: opinions in the articles are of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the EU).
Authors:
Dr Barry Mcauley, Head of Geospatial Surveying and Digital Construction at Technological University of Dublin
Ryan Dempsey, Research Assistant at Technological University of Dublin
How can we deliver effective task and impact-based learning in the construction sector?
The European Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) Sector now faces impending challenges over the next decade concerning ever-increasing climate targets. To reach these targets, it is vital that the green economy delivers a better-skilled workforce and develops new competencies and methods of working. Training in the domain of digital construction technologies and processes, such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), is seen as an essential upskilling vehicle that must be embraced if the sector is to transition towards a greener agenda. Over the next decade, Europe faces many impending challenges, such as the climate crisis. We must develop a skilled and equipped workforce to adequately address this crisis.
To successfully bridge the skills gap in the construction sector in response to the climate crisis, effective task- and impact-based learning can be enhanced and delivered maximising digitalisation through several approaches, including:
- On-the-job training: One of the most effective ways to deliver task- and impact-based learning is through on-the-job training, where workers can learn by doing, under the guidance of experienced mentors.
- Project-based learning: Another approach is project-based learning, where workers are given a real-world construction project to work on, giving them the opportunity to apply their skills and knowledge in a practical context.
- Guided Self Study: This involves users to self-choose activities and modules best suited for their learning journey. In the context of ARISE, learners will be able to use the materials and delivery tools and be assessed without instructors.
- Simulation and gamification: The use of simulation and gamification can help to make learning more engaging and interactive and can provide workers with an opportunity to practice their skills in a safe and controlled environment. Rewarding open badges and cryptocurrency for course completion will ensure that upskilling efforts are recognised in the European Qualification Framework.
- Team-based collaborative learning: Collaborative learning, where workers come together to learn from one another and share their experiences, can be an effective way to deliver task and impact-based learning in the construction sector.
- Continuous professional development: Continuous professional development programs, such as workshops, conferences, and online courses, can provide workers with the opportunity to learn new skills, stay up to date with industry developments, and enhance their knowledge and expertise.
- Blended Learning: The use of a blended learning approach will give learners the opportunity to benefit from both classroom and online learning.
- Case studies: Real-world examples to assist in understanding how learning methods will be applied in relevant industries.
- Online tools: Tools such as narrative videos, and web-based tutorials that are easily accessible through an on-demand mobile-friendly platform.
ARISE will respond and deliver these pedagogical methods to meet the current demands of the construction sector. This will be achieved by a state-of-the-art literature review and through industry engagement on the adoption of the most favoured methodologies, materials, delivery tools and assessment methods in the delivery of BIM & energy skills. Both the summary of findings from the literature and industry will be cross-referenced to establish the final set of recommendations for the ARISE pedagogical strategy.
Figure 1. Summary of existing pedagogical methods in BIM-EPA, Digital Construction, Sustainability & Blockchain.
The project will develop a suite of BIM & energy skills modules underpinned by micro-credentials that will enable the learner to acquire the skills and accreditation/recognition needed to meet the job requirements while also providing vocational mobility. ARISE will develop an on-demand mobile-friendly training portal for digitalisation and sustainable energy in the construction sector. This e-platform and tools will assist individuals, industry, SMEs, large companies, and public authorities to engage and achieve digital energy skills maturity. The platform will have procedures inbuilt into its architecture to measure progress and validate the user's achievement, as well as issue a reward and recognition (accreditation) system titled CERTcoin.
Figure 2. Overview of ARISE course content
By delivering learning in these ways, the construction sector can ensure that workers are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. It is hoped that this approach will support the transition of the construction sector by providing its workforce with digital and sustainable energy skills of the future, along with demand-side guidelines for marketable appreciation of skills and exploitation of benefits thereof.
Conclusion
The uptake of the ARISE scheme will increase company and workforce enthusiasm for upskilling and professional development. It is expected that the project will make a significant contribution to
increasing the number of upskilled construction professionals. The overarching aim is to support the
transition of the construction sector by providing its workforce with digital and sustainable energy skills of the future, along with demand-side guidelines for marketable appreciation and exploitation of these skills.
References
[1] - Bajpai, A. and Misra, S.C. (2022), "Barriers to implementing digitalization in the Indian construction industry", International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, Vol. 39 No. 10, pp. 2438-2464. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJQRM-09-2020-0318
[2] - Elisabeth O’Brien, Bojan Milovanic, Jose Lucas Maseo and Benen McDonagh (2021), “Recognised Micro-Learnings to Support The Digital Journey In The Construction Industry”, CITA BIM Gathering.
