Sandwell’s BIM Technologies & Skills Development Suite will provide a platform for manufacturers and suppliers to learn more about BIM and develop their skills in product designs, 3D modelling and digital engineering using easy-to-configure 3D software. The Suite will support local companies to meet the legislative requirements of becoming BIM-compliant by 2016.
It is being launched at a ‘Meet the Buyer’ day on 8th October, where Carillion hopes to develop its supply chain for the £430m Midland Metropolitan hospital in Smethwick, for which it is preferred bidder.
Carillion’s BIM development manager, Alex Lubbock, said: "We are delighted to be launching this dedicated training facility in partnership with Sandwell Council. We hope that as many of the region’s businesses as possible will sign up to take advantage of this fantastic opportunity to ensure that they are up to date with the latest technological advances, giving them a real business advantage going forward.”
Councillor Paul Moore, Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for regeneration, jobs and economy, said: "The West Midlands is a world-class manufacturing base and it’s important to innovate, use new technology and have the right skills in place to make our region's supply chain more competitive. Through this project, we are offering practical support to help small companies develop specialist skills.”
The 8th October event will also see the launch of the West Midlands Virtual Hospital (WMVH), a digital building that will showcase the skills and capabilities of the region’s businesses in building and running a hospital. Virtechs, the company that created the model, will run BIM workshops.
The ‘meet the buyer’ day and official opening of The BIM Technologies & Skills Development Suite take place on Thursday 8th October 2015 at the CAP Centre, Windmill Lane, Smethwick B66 3LX (next to the Midland Metropolitan hospital site) from 8am to 1pm. It is free to attend. To reserve a place, email Steve Massey, Sandwell Council’s supply chain development officer, on stephen_massey@sandwell.gov.uk
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