2006-07 - Construction Innovation

6. Education and training
Construction Innovation’s education and training program is recognised
as a significant contributor to enhancing the collaborative culture of
construction.
Education program
Construction Innovation’s education and training program is
recognised as a significant contributor to enhancing the collaborative
culture of construction.
By partnering with industry, government and researchers to
develop educational and professional development courses and
by encouraging industry participants to co-supervise students,
Construction Innovation’s scholars’ program successfully attracts a
high calibre of students.
Many of those who have completed their scholarships have gone on
to practically apply their studies in the property, design, construction
and FM industry.
An integral part of Construction Innovation’s education and training
program is to hold workshops, forums and other events to help build
the skills and knowledge of its scholars and research teams and build
personal and professional networks amongst these key individuals.
In 2006–07, Construction Innovation conducted the following events:
Scholars’ workshops
Two scholars’ workshops were held. The first, in September 2006
was a two day workshop with focus on media skills, negotiation skills
and career directions.
The second workshop held over two days in April 2007, focused on
knowledge transfer and research commercialisation.
Feedback from each of these workshops indicated they were well
received by attendees and provided an opportunity to develop highly
relevant skills, build networks and gain an appreciation of what other
scholars are achieving.
Research symposiums
Construction Innovation hosted two research symposiums in Western
Australia and New South Wales. The symposiums continue to
disseminate research benefits to industry.
Perth Research Symposium held at Engineers Australia, West Perth
on 20 February 2007 was attended by 50 industry practitioners. This
event included both public and industry focused sessions covering
seven research projects with both industry and academic presenters.
Feedback summary:
90% of respondents indicated that the presentations were
•
relevant to their needs
95% of respondents indicated that they were likely to use the
•
learnings in their workplace.
John Dwyer, a registered building practitioner with over 20 years experience,
spoke at Construction Innovation’s Brisbane Research Symposium on the
topic of Innovation in Workplace Safety. John’s safety innovations feature in
Construction Innovation’s BRITE Innovation Gallery 2007.
The Sydney Research Symposium held at Portside Conference
Centre, Sydney on 4 June 2007 attended by 100 industry
practitioners. This event provided a safety focus, with industry
and academic presenters providing a snapshot of where and how
workplace safety issues are being addressed through their projects,
with additional presentations on innovation and Building Information
Models. Feedback summary:
95% of respondents believed that all presentations and
•
presenters were relevant to their needs
80% of respondents had attended to hear updates on
•
safety research.
6.1 Industry training
Following on from the Value in Project Delivery Systems: Facilitating
a Change in Culture research project, a two-day workshop was
developed. Entitled “Relationship Management in Project Delivery”,
this workshop has been embraced by our participants and industry.
Throughout 2006–07, the following Relationship Management workshops
have been delivered. Each workshop is designed for a maximum
of 20 people and is customised for each organisation’s need.
42