Phil Hughes, of ACT-UK Ltd,
which will operate the Construction Management
Simulation Centre (CMSC), shares his thoughts behind
the plans and his hopes for what the centre will
bring to the UK.
What impact will this
scheme have on the future of the UK construction
industry?
This is a truly unique scheme
and will be an innovative new training resource
for construction managers in the UK. Trainees in
the CMSC will receive an unforgettable experience
that will develop and accelerate their site management
and leadership capabilities.
The simulator comprises a large
auditorium, an 11m x 3.5m parabolic virtual reality
screen displaying real UK construction projects,
11 site huts and professional actors to simulate
'real life' on-site scenarios for training and
developing construction managers.
Experienced site managers will
supervise the trainees to ensure the best on-the-job
learning is achieved.
Why has the West Midlands been
chosen as the location for this project?
The region is already a strong
training ground for the construction industry and
cities such as Birmingham and Coventry have seen
major development in recent years.
Situated just off the M6 in the
West Midlands we will be ideally placed as a central
hub in the UK, easily accessible for people from
all over the country.
What has the region offered in
terms of resources and support?
We have been supported throughout
our planning to get the centre off the ground by
Coventry University Enterprises, as well as the
Learning and Skills Council in Coventry and Warwickshire
which provided initial funding.
Regional development agency Advantage
West Midlands has agreed to provide Coventry University
Enterprises with a grant of £6.3 million to build and develop
the centre.
When is it likely to become a
reality?
Planning approval for the building
has been granted, so construction is expected to
commence early 2008 and be completed to open in
early 2009. The building contractors will be Birmingham's
Shaylor Construction.
We are already running taster
and pilot courses for the UK construction industry,
which will continue to run on a regular basis until
the centre opens.
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