| |July 20189CIOReviewcomes an increasing need for person-nel with the skill sets necessary to im-plement a model-based approach to construction. For instance, at Bras-field & Gorrie, the VDC department has grown nearly 500 percent over the past five years, and we're cur-rently seeking VDC professionals at multiple levels.To keep up with this rising de-mand, the industry must find ways to attract millennials and show them the attractive opportunities within construction. While recruiting tech-savvy individuals to fill these needs can be challenging, the ongoing shift in construction brings opportunity, excitement, freedom, challenge, re-ward, and the ability to create lasting impacts--all of which are fueling in-terest in construction among millen-nials. The challenge for industry lead-ers and training programs lies in fully recognizing the impact of BIM and communicating its potential in a way that attracts and engages potential entrants to the workforce.Four strategies will be key to capitalizing on the opportunity BIM presents to make the industry more attractive to the younger, more tech-savvy generation.First, companies must make infor-mation available in an online format that can be accessed by the entire pro-ject team. This means accurately cap-turing physical construction projects in an online program and ensuring that models mimic all aspects of the construction process, complete with data related to cost, quality, sched-ule, installation, location, safety, and more. Making this information acces-sible online allows for greater accura-cy and removes barriers to teamwork.Next, companies must create engaging opportunities around em-ployees' interests. With the constant-ly evolving applications of modeling technology, there is ample oppor-tunity for team members to explore their passions. At Brasfield & Gorrie, we've designed our VDC department in a way that encourages team mem-bers to pursue VDC applications in their unique areas of interest. For in-stance, one employee with an interest in scheduling leads efforts to break 3D model objects into components exactly as they will be installed so that this information can be tied to the project schedule as well as physical installation. Another employee with a passion for safety is leading efforts to research applications of RFID technology in tracking safety require-ments. Team members with interest in augmented reality are exploring innovative ways to use this emerging technology in conjunction with mod-el-based construction by overlaying the physical world within the virtual space. Other team members are lead-ing cutting-edge research in the areas of laser scanning, drones, and robot-ics based on their individual interests.Supporting this innovation with an infrastructure that allows for mo-bility is the third key element. Millen-nials want flexibility and the freedom to work from any place at any time. Ensuring that information is acces-sible from the jobsite and on the go will support successful modeling efforts by enabling all team mem-bers to update models in real time and instantly access the most cur-rent information. This kind of infra-structure will also meet the needs of millennials, who are accustomed to constant connectivity.Finally, companies must be mind-ful to create policies, culture, and organizational structures that foster meaningful relationships and fulfill-ment in the workplace. While tech-nology can be an asset to our industry as we strive to build the next genera-tion of builders, technology alone is not what millennials are seeking. Rather, they seek to use technology in ways that support more engaging and meaningful lives. Studies also show that millennials place a high value on collaborative work cultures, relationship building, and integrated work-life balance. At Brasfield & Gorrie, we emphasize the impor-tance of relationships, not only with fellow employees but with everyone we interact with on a daily basis. Our aim is to provide a meaningful envi-ronment with a group of close-knit employees who have common goals and strive to be the best. Ultimately, as we seek to recruit and retain top talent amid a changing industry land-scape, our culture and values will re-main the foundation of our ability to maintain a strong workforce.As VDC and other technologies continue to transform construction, we are well positioned to leverage this opportunity to make construc-tion an appealing career choice for future generations. Doing so will be critical to continuing the wave of in-novation and building a strong work-force for years to come. Russ Gibbs
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