Ever since the use of BIM (building information modeling) burst onto the scene in the AEC (architecture, engineering, construction) industry, the idea of being able to take a virtual model to the field and interact with it in an efficient manner has been highly sought after. However, it wasn't until the advent of more capable devices could such a concept really begin to takeoff.

Then came devices like tablets and smartphones. These devices have presented the perfect blend of connectivity and portability to allow great things to happen with regard to BIM. We are beginning to see more and more applications designed that allow construction professionals to intelligently interact with a 3D model in the field, without the heavy investment in the technology.

Are you planning to enrol on an electrical course in the future?  If so, we recommend reading the feedback from some of our existing learners.  They have already started their training with OLCI, so their experiences may be able to give you a useful insight into the training available.

Jon Meecham decided to take the ‘Become a Fully Qualified Electrician’ training.  Previously, Jon was a CCTV Engineer.  He decided that he wanted to get qualified in the trades so he can ‘further my current career, with a certificate that shows I am technically able to carry out the task’. 

The All England Lawn Tennis Club has hosted the Wimbledon tennis tournament since the inaugural event in 1877. Refurbishing the facilities in between tournaments posed many challenges.

One of the most daunting was the project’s tight schedule, which, if not met, would pose major consequences for the design team, main contractor, and supplier fabricators.

If you are thinking of taking a plumbing course, it can help if you read feedback from those who have enrolled previously.  They can offer you an insight into what the training may be like – and can help you decide if a course would suit your needs too.

Jarrad Corssen-Davies chose the ‘Become a Qualified Plumber – Advanced’ course from OLCI.  He chose to get qualified in the trades so that he can ‘have a successful career in the plumbing industry, and help others’. 

Is construction undergoing a technological revolution due to new methods to collect and share data? Many processes are being altered and streamlined thanks to technology innovations, and it’s not a stretch to imagine many workflows in the construction industry being revolutionized as a result.

A new partnership between BidsList, www.bidslist.com, San Diego, Calif., a company that brokers any service-related projects, and NoteVault, www.notevault.com, San Diego, Calif., which provides voice-to-text software for mobile devices, is a step toward using technology to improve productivity, track progress, and enhance collaboration efforts on the jobsite.

As the UK’s No.1 Construction Training Provider, we offer training that leads to industry recognised qualifications.  If you are looking to become an engineer then our training will prepare you for registering with Gas Safe.  Once registered, you will then be able to work with gas in the UK and Isle of Man.  We have received feedback from some of our learners who are currently taking their training with OLCI.  Their comments may give you a useful insight so you can decide whether OLCI gas courses are right for you too.

Michael Lindsay took the ‘Become a Gas Engineer’ programme with OLCI.  Michael explained he wanted to get qualified in the trades because ‘after serving in the Royal Marines for 22 years, I chose the gas engineering course as my new career path.  I find it interesting and challenging, and I’m very enthusiastic about working with domestic gas appliances.’  He chose to train with OLCI ‘because this is a new state-of-the-art training establishment, with a very good record for training people to the required standard with a good reputation for success’. 

Dubai, UAE; September 05, 2012: Aquascapes, the swimming pools design and construction division of UAE based Belhasa Projects has won new projects in Iraq and Maldives.

In Erbil, Iraq, the company has won contracts for landscape design for a luxurious villa and a hotel.

According to Malay Shah, General Manager, Aquascapes: "We are excited to enter the landscape design market in Iraq which has strong growth potential for us. This project is a step in the right direction. Iraq provides a pro-investment environment and this could be the start of many new projects for us."

A subsidiary of collapsed construction company UBC has been sold to its former managers.

Administrators Zolfo Cooper said the move had saved 30 jobs at Inverness-based Wyvis Roofing.

Almost 240 people were made redundant in the Highlands and Islands and the central belt after the UBC Group became insolvent earlier this month.

Yorkshire Craft Fairs has been organising Arts & Craft fairs since 1979, trading then under the name of its founder, and has been providing a market place for craftspeople to exhibit their products to the public since that time, and an opportunity for the public to see a wide range of crafts and gifts not available in their standard high street shops.

All our fairs are held in prestigious hotels and well known halls, situated in attractive visitor locations. All venues have been selected to provide pleasant surroundings for both visitors and exhibitors alike.

The next time you attend a practical workshop at OLCI, take a look around: you may be training alongside a professional footballer! One such player who knows the importance of getting a trade is midfi elder Simon Whaley. Simon has so far made 275 league appearances for teams such as Bury, Preston North End and Norwich, in a professional football career spanning eight seasons.

The opportunities that come with a trade