As the built environment (BE) sector undergoes digital advancement and technological change, training at the BCA Academy (BCAA) is also undergoing a transformation. BCAA’s introduction of stackable modular courses is one of the ways to enable industry professionals to get up to speed in a world of constant disruptions.

Such bite-sized courses which make it easier for them to learn at their own pace was welcomed by 850 Specialist Diploma students who graduated recently on 26 November 2019. These industry professionals and mid-career entrants were also joined by close to 500 Diploma level graduates who were entering the workforce at the technical and professional level (TAP).

A curriculum that adapts to learners’ needs

These skill-based modular courses, aimed at working adults, may be stacked up towards qualifications such as diplomas. All 14 of BCAA’s Specialist Diplomas have been redesigned to consist of two to three self-contained modular certificates, each taking three months to complete. Learners no longer have to follow any specific sequence before he or she can proceed to the next module.

By offering options for industry professionals to undergo targeted training, individuals can customise a learning pathway that best suits their needs. Hence, a learner may decide to complete only certain modular certificates first to meet immediate skill set needs. The remainder modules can be completed within a three-year time frame to earn a Specialist Diploma.

There is also cross recognition of modular certificates. For example, holders of the Specialist Diploma in Construction Productivity only need to complete one additional modular certificate to be conferred a Specialist Diploma in DfMA.

Funding support for these certificates are offered at either individual or company level, with some reaching up to 90% of course fees.

New job roles and emerging skills in support of the Construction ITM

The BCA academy adopts a practice-oriented and industry-relevant curriculum. New programmes are constantly introduced and existing ones revised to ensure its curriculum prepares graduates ahead of industry developments.

The 2019 Graduation Ceremony saw the inaugural cohorts of two cutting-edge programmes – the Specialist Diploma in Computational BIM (Building) and the Specialist Diploma in MEP Modularisation. Both equipped graduates with advanced digital skills to harness technology for greater productivity and outcomes.

In the former, learners apply advanced digital technology to optimise building design, increasing the effectiveness of the design process. The latter develops learners’ competencies in the modularisation of Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) systems to support prefabrication.

Getting future-ready for the economy’s changing needs

A fast-changing economy means new jobs and new competencies are needed. For those in the industry, these learn-as-you-earn programmes provide crucial advancement opportunities as they make their way up the career ladder.

Mr Ching Wai Hong, 2019 Specialist Diploma in Construction Productivity graduate and Silver Award recipient, felt that the BCAA course is well-structured and in line with the construction industry development and latest government policy.

For valedictorian, Specialist Diploma in Computational BIM (Building) graduate and Silver Award recipient Ms Koh Seow Jin, the course was “enriching and relevant”, and she looked forward to applying her new skills at work.

Short courses which can count towards diplomas or degrees are an incentive for workers to keep learning. By embracing lifelong learning, learners develop deep skill sets and cultivate in-demand abilities. More importantly, they acquire a positive learning and growth mindset that allows them to stay astride with the rapidly-transforming economy.

To find out how to upskill for the BE sector, check out the CET programmes available at BCA Academy.