Digital networking across the entire construction value chain is leading to fundamental changes in the construction sector and its competitive landscape. Work processes are becoming ever more complex, the skills profile needed by employees is expanding steadily and interdisciplinary cooperation is increasingly becoming a prominent factor. In order to consistently utilise the opportunities and market advantages arising from these changes, and consequently to drive up productivity, companies will need highly qualified and motivated staff.
“Skilled, qualified workers are always in demand. Companies need to commit to 360°educational concepts if they want to take prompt action to counter the lack of skilled labour and to motivate talented youngsters to opt for a construction apprenticeship”, said Michael Ludwig, Mayor of Vienna, summing up the trend prevailing across the industry. “The pilot project in Vienna Simmering underlines the appeal of construction apprenticeships as well as Vienna as a study destination”.
Pioneering role: Construction apprenticeships in an age of digitalisation
By opening the PORR Campus, the company is taking concerted measures to counter the prevailing lack of skilled labour affecting the entire construction industry: “The shortage of skilled workers continues to be a key challenge for the construction industry. This is why the further education and training of our workforce is a top priority and decisive success factor”, said PORR CEO Karl-Heinz Strauss. “With the PORR Campus we are getting our employees ready for the future. At the same time, we are cementing our role as a pioneer in applying forward-looking technologies and methods as well as future-proofing our competitive ability”.
In the inhouse facility for further education and training, the full-service provider will offer every apprentice an additional three-week, practice-based course for every year of their studies. The curriculum includes training blocks on bricklaying, formworking, civil engineering and plastering. Training and theory-based seminars on materials science and health and safety round off the programme. What’s more, apprentices can choose individual courses to help them prepare for their final exams.
The development of professionals is also a central aim of the PORR Campus. A broad range of further education opportunities are offered to PORR professionals in order to unlock individual talent and boost their careers. There are special programmes available for labourers, skilled workers, gaffers and foremen that include appropriate training in health and safety, how to handle software and equipment, as well as construction technology for their soft skills and professional development.
PORR Campus: A space for innovative approaches to learning
The PORR Campus draws on a modern architectural concept that not only offers more space for networked working, but is also an ideal platform for forward-looking further education and training. In addition to classrooms with smart whiteboards, there are high-performance mobile devices to secure an optimum basis for ergonomic and collaborative cooperation.
Alongside classrooms flooded with light, a vast workshop with a floor area of around 500m² and a comprehensive equipment and machinery pool, the apprentices and professionals can enjoy a modern residential facility with around 50 beds and a huge range of sport and leisure options.
“We have deliberately designed the PORR Campus in such a way that it no only feels good, but works well. We have also drawn on the right technologies for optimal further education and training throughout an entire apprenticeship”, added Michael Heissenberger, Head of Apprenticeships at PORR, and Reinhard Schöller, Manager of the PORR Campus.
