As Part of Blueprint to Success Program, Courses Will Teach Necessary Computer Software and Knowledge of Sustainable Building for Free
New York, NY – October 8, 2013 – (RealEstateRama) — New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) today announced two new programs developed as part of Blueprint to Success, NYCEDC’s capacity building program for minority, women and disadvantaged business enterprise (M/W/DBE) construction firms. In partnership with the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen and its Mechanic’s Institute, NYCEDC is launching the Building Information Modeling (BIM) program, a course offered to engineers, architects and other design professionals to teach them how to use the groundbreaking BIM platforms. The BIM software allows construction companies to generate and manage digital representations of physical and functional characteristics of a facility.
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Many construction management firms require subcontractors to incorporate BIM into their operations. NYCEDC today also announced the launch of the Green Professional (GPRO) Building Skills Training program, a comprehensive training and certificate program which teaches construction professionals trade-specific green construction knowledge such as the principles of sustainability. Both programs are designed to provide opportunities and advantages to construction workers in New York City, and both are being offered to selected contractors free of charge.
“The Blueprint to Success program has assisted minority, women and disadvantaged business enterprises for a number of years, and these programs will allow it to continue to provide opportunities to those who need them,” said NYCEDC President Kyle Kimball. “The BIM program and GPRO certification course ensure that construction firms have the skills they need to be successful and to keep New York City at the forefront of the construction industry.”
BIM has revolutionized the way 21st century construction projects are delivered. The BIM concept envisions virtual construction of a facility prior to its actual physical construction in order to reduce uncertainty, improve safety, work out problems, and simulate and analyze potential impacts. Subcontractors from every trade can input critical information into the model before beginning construction, with opportunities to pre-fabricate or pre-assemble some systems off-site. Waste can be minimized on-site and products delivered on a just-in-time basis rather than being stock-piled on-site. This course will expose students to the existing BIM platforms and teach them how the platforms can be utilized in a building project.
GPRO certification provides contractors, sub-contractors, building trades and building operators with the skills they need to design and construct green facilities. NYCEDC is working with Urban Green Council, the New York Chapter of the US Green Building Council, to deliver this new initiative to M/W/DBE participants. Taught by industry experts using real-life classroom exercises, GPRO gives experienced building professionals the critical tools to transition from conventional to sustainable construction practices.
BIM and GPRO are offered as part of the Blueprint to Success program, which provides in-depth and individualized technical assistance to M/W/DBE construction firms. It is designed as a training program geared to meet each of the businesses’ specific needs and meet overarching goals—such as improving the financial and technical management of their firms. Selected construction firms receive in-depth business assessment and one-on-one technical assistance to support capacity building, a tailored business curriculum to assist in meeting specific development goals, and opportunities to expand professional networks and establish relationships with NYCEDC’s prime contractors and construction management firms. To learn more about the program go to www.nycedc.com/blueprint.
Blueprint to Success is one of a set of initiatives announced by NYCEDC to support and increase opportunities for New York City based M/W/DBEs. The initiatives were the result of efforts by NYCEDC who held meeting with numerous stakeholders including M/W/DBEs, construction organizations, local elected officials, and community leaders as part of an ongoing review of how NYCEDC can best assist M/W/DBEs.
About NYCEDC
New York City Economic Development Corporation is the City’s primary vehicle for promoting economic growth in each of the five boroughs. NYCEDC’s mission is to stimulate growth through expansion and redevelopment programs that encourage investment, generate prosperity and strengthen the City’s competitive position. NYCEDC serves as an advocate to the business community by building relationships with companies that allow them to take advantage of New York City’s many opportunities. Find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter, or visit our blog to learn more about NYCEDC projects and initiatives.
