HAMPSHIRE, UK, Mar 23, 2015 – As the Government’s 2016 deadline approaches, the Lakesmere Group continues to invest in its BIM capabilities with the launch of a new bespoke training initiative.
Developed in conjunction with an independent software supplier and overseen by Lakesmere’s technical managers, the Lakesmere BIM Academy is an in-depth internal training program created to ensure a consistently high level of BIM awareness and expertise across the organisation and to up-skill all designers and project managers in the use of BIM software such as Autodesk Revit, Rhino, Navisworks and Synchro along with other BIM related software.
The training program has been divided into several different tiers of BIM knowledge and to date over 70 colleagues have completed the first stage. A bespoke CITB Accredited ‘Lakesmere BIM Diploma’ is also incorporated within the Academy training to recognize applied use of BIM.
Having already worked on nine BIM Level 1 projects, Lakesmere has recently delivered its first Level 2 contract for the Greenwich Gateway Pavilions, home of the central marketing hub for the Greenwich Peninsula development. Thanks to Lakesmere’s ongoing investment and development in its BIM capabilities, the successful delivery of this project also led to a nomination in the BIM Project Excellence category at the recent Construction News Specialist Awards.
John Wilson, Lakesmere Group’s technical manager commented; “The launch of the new BIM Academy is the culmination of several years’ work and the continuous development of our own BIM expertise. The new training program provides a fantastic model that can be used across the company’s different disciplines and regional offices to up-skill our entire network of offices and develop the next generation of designers to BIM manager level. With less than 12 months to go before BIM becomes mandatory on all public sector projects I’m pleased to say that Lakesmere is well ahead of the curve and we are already looking at improving our proficiency in other aspects such as the use of 4D modelling and mobile BIM technology.”
In addition to expanding its own staff training schemes, Lakesmere has also invested ways to better support its clients in the use of BIM. One of the key developments is the creation of the company’s own 27-page BIM handbook which is continually updated to reflect the latest processes and best working practices. The document includes a workflow diagram establishing a clear process for BIM and a client questionnaire to ensure clear understanding of the BIM Execution Plan (BEP) from the outset. In the absence of clear and consistent industry-wide standards, Lakesmere have also produced its own standards manual, allowing clients to choose the right level of BIM functionality before work progresses.
About Lakesmere
Lakesmere is a leading roofing, cladding & facade specialist contractor, offering its clients a complete design, installation and management service across the full range of systems that make up the external building envelope.
The Lakesmere Group comprises Lakesmere Ltd, Lakesmere International and McMullen Facades. In the Financial year 2013/14 Group turnover reached £87m with plans for significant growth in 2014/15 to circa £100m due to success in their International markets, the ongoing integration of their subsidiary company McMullen Facades and regular repeat business in the UK.
They are approved installers for the market leading system manufacturers working only with suppliers that share their passion for quality, reliability and innovation. Lakesmere is currently the largest installer of Kalzip standing seam roofing in Europe and the Middle East.