New Construction Technology - Construction Training

The Impact of New Technologies on the Construction Industry

13/08/2014 2:14 PM


May 2014 Construction Training Fund


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Contents 1 Introduction .............................................................................................................. 3

1.1 Background ...................................................................................................... 3

1.2 Research Objectives ......................................................................................... 3

1.3 Expected Outcomes ......................................................................................... 3

2 Evidence from the Research .................................................................................... 3

2.1 Past Research – Technology in the future ........................................................ 3

2.2 New and Emerging Technologies and Products in Construction ....................... 4

2.3 Scope of Surveys.............................................................................................. 6

2.4 Key Findings ..................................................................................................... 6

2.5 Building Information Modelling (BIM) ................................................................ 7

3 Conclusions ............................................................................................................. 8

4 Recommendations ................................................................................................... 9

Appendix 1 – New Technology Findings Appendix 2 – Changes in Demand for Existing and New Trades Appendix 3 – Face-to-Face and On-site Consultations Appendix 4 – Telephone Interviews...………………………………………………. Appendix 5 – Unsolicited Feedback..……………………………………………….. Appendix 6 – Survey..........................……………………………………………….


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1 Introduction

1.1 Background

The growth of new technologies in the Construction Industry is expected have an impact on the way construction is performed in the future. With any new methodologies, there are expected to be changes in the composition of the workforce. New construction technologies may require the attainment of new skills or trades with the consequence of establishing new or redesigned training programs. All of these impacts are expected to require new training methodologies and/or associated up-skilling of the workforce.

1.2 Research Objectives

The object of this research was to identify new technologies or methodologies in the Construction Industry that could require new training and/or up-skilling of the trades and semi-skilled workforce.

Identification of new technologies will enable the Building and Construction Industry Training Board (BCITB) to identify the need for subsidies.

As part of this research, it was proposed to develop a broad based survey instrument that could be administered to a wider audience. However, it was identified in the initial face-to-face and telephone surveys with key stakeholders that a simple web-based survey using initial findings would be sufficient to gather critical evidence relating to the changes that currently, or in the future will affect the industry.

1.3 Expected Outcomes

It was expected the research into the new technologies would identify:

innovations/technologies that may create a demand for new and different trades.

the need for changes to training methodologies and content.

the need for any associated up-skilling for current tradespersons and workers.

sectors of the industry most affected by any changes.

regions that have adopted changes.

acceptance of new technologies.

Possible timeframe for implementation of changes

These outcomes will enable the Construction Training Fund to estimate and prepare for the impact on future financial demand for training subsidies in new and developing markets.

2 Evidence from the Research

2.1 Past Research – Technology in the future

The Construction and Property Services Industry Skills Council (CPSISC) for their report ‘Future forecasts: Construction and Property Services Skills 2016–26’1 found that an increase in new technologies, for example 3D and pre-fabrication may require a shift in the skills and training, as well as a change in the attitudes of consumers and builders.

The CPSISC Environmental Scan 2013-2014 also identified the need to respond to the substantial changes in technology, and for industry and the training sector to ensure opportunities are given to workers to be trained in a range of skills with continual up-skilling of existing workers.2 It was also stated that pre-fabricated housing has a potential for growth, however, as per the Centre for International Economics Future Forecast report,3 it is likely to penetrate to around only 10 percent of the future market.

1 Centre for International Economics for CPSISC (2013) Future Forecasts: Construction and Property Services Skills 2016-2026, Page 49

2 CPSISC (2014), Environment Scan 2013-14, Page 3

3 Centre for International Economics for CPSISC (2013) Future Forecasts: Construction and Property Services Skills 2016-2026


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The commercial sector was identified as being more widely engaged in the use of pre-fabricated technologies however, anecdotal evidence suggests its use is becoming prolific and increasing steadily.

The Construction 2020 Vision Report4 of 2004 identified that in 5 -15 years’ time (2009-2019) a wide range of products will probably be manufactured off-site and assembled on-site. This change is predicted to result in better quality control, improved site processes including Occupation Health and Safety, be environmentally friendly and may reduce costs. The research also identified that the industry was not developing adequate skills for the future.

Research by Curtin University, as a joint project between the Department of Housing and the Department of Planning, was undertaken in 2012-13. The project, ‘The Housing We’d Choose – a Study for Perth and Peel Regions’ included an on-line survey of 1,071 people on ‘Housing Preferences and Trade-offs’ with 946 respondents.

In relation to preferred building materials the results indicate, at the time the survey was undertaken, a large percentage of respondents (53%) preferred double brick construction, 26% chose alternative sustainable materials while 5% chose brick veneer, framed housing with cladding/weatherboard or pre-fabricated buildings. It was suggested in this report that the share of the market could be bigger if there was more information and promotion to create a better awareness of the alternative materials available5.

In 2013, a not-for-profit body PrefabAUS6 (similar to those in other countries) was formed to represent, showcase and advance Australia’s pre-fabricated building industry through collaboration, innovation and education. On their website there are some interesting facts on the history of pre-fabrication, for example, the Romans used pre-fabricated building elements to build their forts quickly and efficiently as early as AD 43, indicating that pre-fabrication is not a new concept. With a body dedicated to the pre-fabrication industry, this may be an indication of a future with structured and quality controlled development of a technology that has been in the background for many years, and which may now have a place in the future of residential construction as well as the commercial construction environment.

2.2 New and Emerging Technologies and Products in Construction

Embracing alternative products, including pre-fabrication, may require a shift in the skills and training mix of industry. In addition, the attitudes of consumers and builders may need to change in relation to their perceptions of the internal feel of the alternative materials. Tilt up walls, slabs, pre-fabricated buildings and components are widely used in the commercial sector but the adoption of these in the residential housing sector was found to be minimal in 2009 research studies7. By 2014 the shift in the knowledge and understanding of alternative materials appears to be growing.

Other factors relating to pre-fabricated and modular that have surfaced during this research are:

Workplace, health and safety (WH&S) risks reduced due to reduced time on site, less exposure to hazards and weather.

Skilled labour requirements, for example pre-fabricated walls and roofing may in the future reduce the demand for trades such as bricklayers and roof tilers.

Efficiency in design and engineering may result in cost reductions in relation to comparative products, saving on the cost of building a home, greater control of

4Cooperative Research Centre for Construction Innovation (2004) Construction 2020 – A Vision for Australia’s Property and Construction

Industry, Pages 24-26 5 Department of Housing/ Department of Planning (2013), The Housing We’d Choose – a study for Perth and Peel Regions. Page 19

6 http://www.prefabaus.org.au

7 Daly 2009. Prefabricated Housing in Australia. Skill Deficiencies and Workplace Practice – International Specialised Skills Institute


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quality, reduced wastage on site, greater insulation and other properties associated with sustainability requirements.

There is evidence of modular manufacturing in Malaysia being strongly supported by the Malaysian Government. Modular units are then being shipped to Australia and installed in reduced build times. In one example, electrical and plumbing components are shipped from Australia to overseas manufacturers to ensure that Australian Standards are met when shipped back to Australia8.

One of the major benefits of off-site manufactured products is significantly

reduced on-site construction time.

The ability to manufacture in a controlled environment avoids ‘downtime’ and the effect of weather conditions.9

The impact of developments such as 3D printing could, in the future, replace tradespeople by automatically building houses, or modules, in less than 24 hours. This technology is being introduced in China and cannot be ignored when taking into consideration that around one million Australians are employed in the Construction sector.10

One of the major stakeholders in the use of manufactured pre-fabricated products stated that “Australian built pre-fabricated buildings and modules are better quality products and meet all Australian Standards, are immediately available when complete, with no hold ups, as is often the case with overseas made products”.

In the Civil Construction sector, technology advances include updated Trenchless Technology, Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Ground Penetrating Radar Systems (GPR). Driver-less (or robotic) vehicles and excavators controlled by a supervisory computer at an operation centre (in real time). The use of Tunnel Boring Machines (TBM) is not a new concept, but becoming more popular. They replace the drill and blast method for underground excavation. TBMs are used throughout Australia including under the Opera House to evacuate roads to divert vehicles away from pedestrian traffic11, as well as in many of Perth’s large infrastructure works, including rail tunnels which were dug with special Japanese built TBMs to cope with Perth’s sandy soils.

Although this research identifies findings on the whole of the construction industry, it does not segregate sectors within the industry for example, civil, residential and commercial construction.

8 Face to face consultation with modular building supplier

9 Cooperative Research Centre for Construction Innovation (2004) Construction 2020 – A Vision for Australia’s Property and Construction

Industry 10

Price Waterhouse Coopers 2014 Expanding Australia’s Economy: How digital can drive the change Page 9 11

http://www.earthmover.com.au/news/2011/newswire/november/november-17/other-top-stories/sydney-opera-house-receives-new- pipes/?searchterm=None

http://www.earthmover.com.au/news/2011/newswire/november/november-17/other-top-stories/sydney-opera-house-receives-new-


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2.3 Scope of Surveys

Consultations Source

Site visits (n=7) were conducted plus on-site consultations by Training Support Officers (Appendix 1)

State of the Art Trade Training Centres at Registered Training Providers

Modular building companies

Building companies using a range of alternative building materials

Training Support Officers – apprentice employer consultations

Face-to-Face (n=9) consultations were conducted

Modular Construction companies

Building Information Modelling committees

Materials and products

Civil Construction

Telephone Interviews including email enquiries (Appendix 2)

Unsolicited feedback (Appendix 3)

E-Mail and web-based surveys (Appendix 4) The Survey was developed around a number of easily entered responses to a series of questions. The Survey was emailed to 263 recipients including employers, builders and industry stakeholders.

2.4 Key Findings

Based on stakeholder feedback during this research, the following predictions are made:

Trade Predictions

Trades reducing

Bricklayers Plasterers

Other occupations to reduce Most traditional trades will decline if wall construction methodology changes. Traffic Controllers (less on site management)

Trades increasing

Carpenters Cabinet makers Wall and Floor Tilers Concreters Steel fixers Drainers Wall & Ceiling Fixers Plumbers Roof Plumbers

Other occupations liable to increase Installation Teams Draftsperson Electrical (in-house contracting) Truck Drivers Residential Building Trades Frame welders Crane Drivers Computer Technicians

Up-skilling required

Carpenters

Readily Available Electricians

A significant amount of respondents believe that the number of trade classifications will change due to the impact of pre-fabrication and modular construction.


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2.5 Building Information Modelling (BIM)

With regards to the impact of BIM, and in response to the CPSISC 2014-2015 Environment Scan, Business Review Weekly stated that:

“The industry is keen (to implement). The use of BIM in construction has the potential to save firms between 3 per cent and 5 per cent in costs….BIM could have a huge effect not just in design and construction, but on the economy…could boost gross domestic product by 0.2 basis points above the “business as usual scenario” rising to 5 points by 2025”.12

Following a summit between the Australian Construction Industry Forum (ACIF) and the Australian Procurement and Construction Council (APCC) in 2013, the organisations have combined to develop a new online library of resources. The library places Building Information Modelling into a single repository and those associated with architecture or construction then have direct access to information on BIM.13

Current Training

There is limited introductory BIM training available in Western Australia and, if available, training is at the professional high end of BIM, aimed at Architects, Engineers etc.

Future Training

o An Australian Institute of Architects (AIA) committee in WA, in conjunction with Universities and some of the Technology Institutes (TAFE), is in the process of developing information and qualifications relating to high level BIM.

“A key aim is to improve standardisation, education and demystification of BIM in Australia. The Committee can provide clear, practical advice and guidance on all matters relating to BIM.”

o In response to the survey question, “Are you aware of BIM”, 75% of respondents answered No, with 50% of these interested in a short practical introductory course if one was available in West Australia. This appears to indicate that there may be a need for this type of training for employers and employees unfamiliar with BIM. The introductory course would enable them to obtain a basic understanding of BIM and to decide if they would like to engage in further training.

o Eastern State Training Funds and Training Councils were contacted to ascertain their involvement in BIM. The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) in South Australia was forthcoming with information on courses they have developed. A copy of “A Practical Introductory Guide to Building Information Modelling” student handbook was released to the Fund for viewing only. This one or two day course could be a suitable introductory course for WA based training providers to deliver, possibly using trainers who meet South Australia’s delivery criteria. As resource materials are available for trainers, resource development work would not be required; there would however be a requirement to purchase the materials.

o If new technologies become widely accepted in the residential sector, then there could be a reduction in the on-site construction workforce and an increase in the manufacturing workforce. The same workers could be involved in this change but there would predictably be a reduction in the combined workforce.

o If, as expected, BIM becomes the industry standard then all contractors will need to develop a working awareness and understanding of BIM at lower levels.

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Michael Bleby, (2013) Business Review Weekly, 18 September 2013 extract from CPSISC 2014-15 Environmental Scan. 13

http://sourceable.net/australia-set-for-bim-library/


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3 Conclusions

The use of modular and pre-fabricated construction is having an impact in the commercial and regional residential sector more than in mainstream or metropolitan residential construction.

The use of driver-less trucks including excavators, is viewed by the Civil Construction sector to be one of the most important technologies that may impact the sector in the long term. Vehicles incorporating GPS, laser and radar detection sensors, wireless communication networks and vehicle controllers will initially be operated by a supervisory computer in an on-site Operations Centre. Already one company in Western Australia, using this technology, is planning to move the Operations Centre to Perth where the system will be controlled 24 hours a day. In regard to safety issues, the trucks are fitted with an obstacle detection system with the automated truck programmed to stop or reduce speed. This technology may, in the long term, create an employment shift due to the reduction in the use of plant operators and an increase in computer techicians.31

The implementation of new technologies could accelerate rapidly if housing codes (sustainability) are raised.

New technologies may be slow to gain acceptance in the residential sector due to the WA market being heavily biased towards double brick construction.

There is an identified change in the use of new technology in the commercial sector, particularly in the North West where they are using manufactured components from overseas facilities.

Major builders could be the major drivers of change if they market alternative building options, especially in the lower end of the market (affordable housing).

No specific upgrading of trade qualifications or courses appears to be required at this stage, other than within apprenticeship training. This requirement is usually undertaken by the Training Package developers during review processes.

Up-skilling and cross skilling will be needed in the future. This will possibly require the introduction of short course skills training, or in-house training, for existing workers as there will be cross trades skills utilised for Modular construction. For example, up-skilling a roof carpenter to perform wall and floor fixing, steel framing etc.

Short course skills training can be developed and implemented within the Construction Industry where the training occurs after completion of a trade qualification.

The share of the modular and alternative building material market could significantly increase if more information and promotion occurs with potential homebuyers to create a better awareness of the alternative building methods available14.

Wet Trades, particularly bricklaying have been identified by this research as being the most at risk. However in the Eastern States this trade appears to remain in demand.15 This may be due to them having high volumes of brick veneer housing construction due to population demand; therefore, the number of bricklayers will remain at current levels considering the ageing trade cohort.

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Department of Housing/ Department of Planning (2013), The Housing We’d Choose – a study for Perth and Peel Regions. Page 19 15

http://sourceable.net/plasterers-bricklayers-wanted-for-brisbane-housing-boom/

http://sourceable.net/plasterers-bricklayers-wanted-for-brisbane-housing-boom/


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There is strong evidence to demonstrate acceptance of pre-fabricated construction especially in the Park Homes, North West resources sector accommodation sector, regional offices (Government) and to some extent the residential market.

The ability to utilise the local metropolitan, rather than regional workforce is identified as a strong driver for modular pre-fabrication construction.

The level of BIM training demand will depend on the lowering of the minimum value of contract that must use BIM.

The use of lower level BIM will increase slowly, as the start-up cost of using BIM at all levels is currently viewed as prohibitive.

Monitor the introduction of BIM requirements for the construction workforce and establish if further training is being developed both nationally and internationally.

Training providers wishing to deliver courses such as the “Practical Introductory Guide to Building Information Modelling” course can contact the copyright holder directly and then discuss funding with CTF.

In respect to the requirements of the apprenticeship training contract and the implementation of specialised new construction processes, employers should ensure that apprentices obtain the breadth of knowledge to complete their apprenticeship. Training Support Officers could raise this issue at each site visit and employer consultation, and advise employers of the benefits of rotating apprentices’ skills. This may require apprentices to gain experience on other sites, as is the case with Group Training Organisations.

4 Recommendations

Recommendations from this research;

Ensure that the State Priority Occupation List (SPOL) contains the trade occupations that have been identified in this research as being required in the future. This will assist the industry to cope with new technology in the use of residential and commercial pre-fabrication and modular build methods. The current annual review of the SPOL may need to be reduced to six months as change in demand for occupations could change progressively and rapidly over the next two to five years.

The Construction Training Fund to consider subsidising an Introduction to BIM course as part of the Supplementary Skills program. This will ensure the construction workforce can gain basic knowledge to meet what may eventually be a mandatory requirement for use of various levels of BIM depending on construction project value.

Higher level BIM courses should NOT be subsidised as they are highly specialised, expensive and aimed more at the professional level of industry.

Provide subsidies for basic courses that can help mature workers understand new Computer/IPhone/IPad technology including Construction software for tendering/estimating programs. Training in electronic form filling and providing information to construction workers and employers on the many Construction Applications available, should also be included.28


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APPENDIX 1

NEW TECHNOLOGY FINDINGS

Surveys and face to face consultations identified discrete clusters of new technologies and the impact it may have on trade skills.

Water, Solar and Gas Related

TYPE FINDINGS

Photovoltaic Solar panels / Solar Water Up-skilling identified due to the safety aspect with the PV panels due to possibility of electric shock.

Under water wave driven power generation- (Carnegie Wave Energy)

No known up-skilling required.

Solar /Diesel generators/ Battery Backup Inverters

No known up-skilling required.

Waterplex 16, Gasplex pipe replaces copper piping

Water, Gas and Heat Polyethylene piping can now be used and the need for additional training alleviated as manuals and instructions are provided by manufacturer to existing licenced trades persons and are now part of apprentice training.

Wind Farms, Solar Farms, Waste Treatment Farms, Greywater collection, Retention of Rainwater in Greenwater Tanks (already used in RTO Training facilities), Sewer Technology

Up-skilling may be required for existing workers but this component is now part of apprentice training.

Modular

Pre-fabricated homes Manufactured off-site in factory/workshops, out of inclement weather, and delivered to site on semi-trailers. Cranes are required to lift components and more crane operators may be required in the future.

Modular and individual room/unit construction

Manufactured off-site and assembled in a ‘Lego’TM type construction, including camp style accommodation. Fold out shipping containers come fully fitted out with all modular components, kitchens and bathrooms then transported to site for assembling. Existing trades such as plumbers, electricians, crane drivers, carpenters can be used.

Bathroom and kitchen pre-fabricated modular units (Pods)

Manufactured off-site. Fully fitted out units connected to an existing structural frame. Existing trades can be used.

Panels (Walls) Structural frame elements used to create space, such as Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) - polystyrene plastic core, faced both surfaces with strand board, precast concrete panels and structural wooden panels.17 The AFS Wall system consists of lightweight sandwich panels created by bonding fibre cement sheets to galvanized steel stud frames, then core filled with concrete. Used for internal and external walls. 18 Some up-skilling may be needed.

Components Pre-cut, pre-assembled components such as doors and trusses when not feasible to produce on-site. Existing trades can be used.

Unitised Building (UB) TM System A structural building system, manufactured by Hickory Building Systems, which accelerates on and off-site construction by up to 50%19, reducing material and waste and ensuring safety and quality. Used for mining and resource accommodation villages as well as medium/high density residential. Also patented technology for prefabricated bathroom pods.20 No known up-skilling identified – in-house training may be utilised.

16

http://www.waterplex.com.au/index.htm 17

Steinhardt, D, Manley, K, Miller, W 2012 Reshaping Housing – the role of prefabricated systems Page 6 18

www.afswall.com.au 19

http://www.hickory.com.au/prefab/about-us-63/ 20

www.syncbuildingsystems.com.au/

http://www.afswall.com.au/


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Flooring, Walls and Slabs

Pre-stressed reinforced concrete floor No concrete pad required, supporting points used instead. Manufactured off-site.

Pre-cast concrete Manufactured off–site.

EzyProfile - Slab profiling Tool For easy slab set up, new re-usable tool to replace traditional profiling system on a building site. Limited training may be provided by manufacturer.

BubbleDeck © flooring Pre-constructed concrete flooring system with bubble spheres throughout, therefore reducing the weight of the slab used for multi-story structures and amount of material. No known up-skilling identified.

Double glazed windows and double ply walls

Eliminates noise factor – being used in Trade Training Centres between workshop and classrooms. No known up-skilling identified.

Tilt-up panels Manufactured off-site. Not a new product but becoming more popular and well known. Mainly used in commercial situations.

Steel frames and roof truss systems Light gauge steel provides a product on-site that carpenters can easily understand and trades can easily work with.

Framing and plasterboard lining In lieu of brickwork and plaster.

Hebel Light weight panels for ceilings, floors – used in residential buildings by local builders. Some in-house training may be required.

Unitex textured/coloured render Quicker and easier exterior application reducing labour component. No identified up-skilling

Timber cladding Not a new product but becoming more popular. No identified up-skilling.

Spray-on plastering or use of ‘dry wall’ in double brick construction

This will impact on the plastering trade as dry wall on brick process is used overseas as alternative to hardwall plastering. Some up-skilling may be required.

Waffle Pods28 The ‘Waffle Pod Slab System’ is a method of building concrete slabs for new homes, extensions or commercial industrial buildings. The on-ground slab, with air pockets created by the Pods, forms an insulating layer between the structure and the ground.21 No identified up-skilling.

Computer and Associated Technology

3D hand held computers Intuitive and able to scan spaces/rooms for placement of pipes etc. Already used for off-site manufacture of stone/granite worktops.

3D Printing Additive manufacturing or 3D printing is a process of making three dimensional solid objects from a digital model. The process uses additive processes where an object is created by laying down successive layers of material. 3D printing is considered distinct from traditional machining techniques (subtractive processes) which mostly rely on the removal of material by drilling and cutting22. Specialised training will need to be undertaken.

Building Information Modelling (BIM) Used throughout the world and is becoming more popular in Australia. Various levels of BIM are used and some Government Departments have a mandatory limit that requires BIM to be used for example, in buildings over $50M set by the Department of Finance, Building Maintenance Works in WA. The type of training required will depend on the level of BIM used.

Global Positioning System (GPS) for wireless infrastructure

This technology is helping to provide a skill which may reduce the time people take to achieve master final trim standards from approximately 15 years to around 10 years. ‘This same technology (combining GPS,

21

www.wafflepod.com/wafflepod 22

Wikipedia (2014) 3D Printing http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3D_printing http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Building_printing

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3D_printing

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Building_printing


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wireless communications, and computers) is used for foundation works (e.g., pile positioning) and structural placement (e.g., prefabricated bridge sections and coastal structures). In these applications, the operators are guided through the on-board computer displays, eliminating the need for conventional methods”.23 In-house training may be required or provided by the manufacturer.

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) Systems for Mining and Civil Construction

GPR is a geophysical method that uses radar pulses to image the subsurface and detects reflected signals from subsurface structures. Is used in a variety of materials, e.g. soil, rock, ice etc. and can detect objects and material changes.24 Similar fast tracking of skills and training may occur, as for the GPS technology.

Spectra Precision Laser Transmitters for Civil and General construction

Construction positioning technology to help precisely control tasks like long-range high-accuracy elevation control and fine grading for major projects. Some models suitable for general construction.25 Similar fast tracking of skills and training may occur, as for the GPS technology.

IPhone/IPad/Computer technology and software tendering programs.

Advanced Virtual Design and Construct Software such as VICO26

IPhone Construction Apps available with tendering/estimation programs27 becoming popular with builders and construction companies when tendering for projects to ensure they do not under-price.

VICO 5D Virtual Construction TM Software solutions pioneered the category of BIM for Construction. Training would be required at some stage as this software extends to use at the site level28

Other areas of Technology

Changes to Building Code of Australia (Volume One and Two of the National Construction Code) and Australian Standards28

In house training, seminars or from the Australian Building Codes Board website

New Australian Quality Training Framework Training Packages and training solutions for the industry28

In house training and/or through the Department of Training and Workforce Development

Occupation Workplace Health and Safety Act 2011

New legislation was expected to be introduced into West Australian Parliament early in 2014. In house training or from the Department of Commerce website

Trenchless Technology advances This is not a new technology, but is constantly upgraded for the growing construction and civil industry sector. It includes tunnelling, directional drilling and other methods to install pipelines and cables below ground with minimal excavation.29 Upskilling of current trades may be required with a likely increase in current tradespersons.

Diamond Grid Manufactured from recycled plastics, this product is used for surface stabilisation and erosion control. It is also used to reinforce turfed areas, provide drainage, embankment stabilisation and for driveways and internal roads.30 In-house training may be required or provided by the manufacturer.

Driver-less trucks (this technology will not have a major impact in the short term)

Robotic haul trucks, vehicles and excavators may become a part of most major projects in the long term.31 Being a computer assisted technology; the upskilling of current computer technicians may be required as well as training by the manufacture to run these machines. A reduction in the need for as many plant operators, particularly in dangerous and repetitive situations, may occur.

This list contains only the products/methods that were identified during this research and is not definitive.

23

http://www.globalspec.com/reference/66261/203279/10-4-gps-for-civil-engineering-applications 24

Wikipedia (2014) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ground-penetrating_radar 25

www.sitechwa.com.au. http://www.trimble.com/construction-tools/gl700.aspx?dtID=overview& 26

www.vicosoftware.com 27

Extract from article on the Cordell website http://www.cordellestimating.com.au/main/estimatorv5.aspx 28

Survey responses 29

Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trenchless_technology 30

www.allearth.com.au 31

http://machinedesign.com/constructionoff-road/drones-come-down-earth-ugvs-and-driverless-vehicles-reality

http://www.globalspec.com/reference/66261/203279/10-4-gps-for-civil-engineering-applications

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ground-penetrating_radar

http://www.sitechwa.com.au/

http://www.vicosoftware.com/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trenchless_technology

http://machinedesign.com/constructionoff-road/drones-come-down-earth-ugvs-and-driverless-vehicles-reality


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APPENDIX 2

CHANGES IN DEMAND FOR EXISTING OR NEW TRADES

Following face to face interviews and survey responses, the following trades or occupations were identified as those where demand will change due to the use of current and future new technology.

TRADE OR OCCUPATION FINDING

Assembly/production line workers High demand - Required to assemble components

Schedulers No change

Designers No change

Project Managers No change

Procurement Officers No change

Crane Drivers High Demand. Expected increase in demand as modular

constructions for constructing hotels, apartments and residential houses become more established. Pre-built modular components including bathrooms, kitchens, living areas, whether completed in Australia or overseas will need to be both transported (long haul trucks) and removed from the transport vehicle by cranes.

Logistics Expertise Change in methodology

Scaffolders Less demand

Roofing Plumbers No change

Welders Increase in demand

Electricians No change

Shop drawers Increase. Due to more steel components

Steel Framers Change in material only so carpenters could be up-skilled to this trade

Concreter/ Concrete Finishers* Demand increase in regional areas - may be a skill shortage trade

Riggers Increase in regional areas

Light framing – wood or steel Carpenters could up-skill to this trade

Plasterers Bricklayers could be up-skilled to do spray plastering, particularly if double brick housing is reduced therefore creating less reliance on this trade, with a likely increase in Wall and Ceiling Fixers/Liners

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Residential Estimators* Current shortage – Impacted by BIM. High training component

Residential Schedulers* Current shortage – Impacted by BIM. High training component

Draftsperson (already experienced)* Current shortage – Impacted by BIM. High training component

Draftsperson (newly qualified * Current shortage – Impacted by BIM. High training component

New Home Consultants*

Training required due to change in building technology – probably rely on in-house training.

Building Surveyors* Severe shortage targeted by Building Commission, plus the added disadvantage of no training in West Australia, online delivery is available from Eastern States

Carpenters/Joiners Big demand for this trade in modular construction, expected to be able to complete other associated skills and also be up-skilled to handle steel

Earthworkers No change

Landscapers No change

Painters No change – in manufacturing process

Carpet/Vinyl Layers No change – in manufacturing process

Wall and Ceiling Fixers/Liners Demand will increase with the expected growth in modular constructions

All Trades affected by new technology

Apprentices will be working on new technology construction processes and increase in specialisation

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Computer Technicians With Civil Construction technology there may be a need for increased numbers of computer technicians on major civil projects in the long term.

Trenchless Technology Up-skilling with an increase in demand

Civil construction new technology Some trades will increase due to the high level of new technology in this sector.

* Occupations identified by industry to be skills of high to critical shortage.

32

Major builder 33

CTF Training Support Officer


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APPENDIX 3

FACE-TO-FACE CONSULTATIONS INCLUDING SITE VISITS

(n=16) CONTACT ORGANISATION TYPE OF VISIT Comments

1 Training Provider

On-site Inspection of new centre due to open in 2014

2 Building Maintenance Works

Office based consultation

Discussion regarding BIM and the BMW commitment to its future use.

3 Training Provider On-site Inspection of new centre and any new technology/ methodologies being used

4 Training Provider On-site Specialising in Painting/Plumbing/Carpentry

5 BIM Committee Committee meeting

Discussion on BIM and the need for education and training

6 Modular builder Office based consultation

Modular building – Overseas built – components supplied to ensure meet Australian Standards

7 Training Provider and Group Training Organisation (GTO)

Office based consultation

Trades and new technologies

8 Builder On-site Three town houses using different construction methods and products for each one.

9 Industry body Office based consultation

New technology in Civil that could impact on workforce training and skills

10 Product Office-based GPS /laser for paving, roads mainly mining and civil

11 Modular office builder On-site Modular offices and accommodation built on-site and shipped to North West by road transport.

12 BIM Roundtable Office based meeting

Roundtable discussion

13 Product and Services Exhibition Diamond Grid

14 Modular/transportable home builder

On-site viewing Viewed modular homes under construction.

15 Builder and manufacturer

On-site viewing Pre-fabricated modules and Bubbledeck

TM

16 Modular homes On-site viewing Viewed modular homes under construction and completed buildings.


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APPENDIX 4

TELEPHONE INTERVIEWS INCLUDING EMAIL (Enquiries)

CONTACT ORGANISATION SUBJECT Comments

1 Construction Industry Training Board (SA)

BIM progress and education and training.

New course developed and being delivered for Adelaide Hospital site

2 Products and services Poly piping for water and gas

Provides on line training to registered users of products. Also provides information /product for RTOs to use when training.

3 Product and services Easy set-up of profile/marking of area for concrete slab

Provides training information /kits for RTO to incorporate in the training.

4 Sub-Contractor IPhone technology and the over 40 years of age construction workers

Mature workers not up-to-date with IPhone, IPad, computer technology – need more training in this area.

5

Builder Skills shortages Advised of main areas of skills shortage being experienced.

6 Department of Planning

Building Material preferences

Result of report provided with relevant data.


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APPENDIX 5

UNSOLICITED FEEDBACK

CONTACT ORGANISATION SUBJECT Comments 1 Builder Modular construction Will be big in the

future – almost like Lego building

2 Building Commission Building Surveyors and Modular Building

Big shortage of Building Surveyors. Modular will become popular

3 50+ participants Stakeholder Planning Workshop (18/03/14)

Various Feedback incorporated throughout the report

4 GTO Modular Construction Appears to be an increase of modular use in the South-West


17

APPENDIX 6

SURVEY Survey Monkey – Email

(263 recipients – with 37 responses (14%) at 30/4/14)


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Documents

New Construction Technology - Construction Training