Training centre for building industry opening in Melbourne

A $10 million Master Builders Building Leadership Simulation Centre (BLSC) will open in Melbourne this July, providing training and experience for thousands of workers in the building and construction industry.

The Executive Director of the Master Builders Association of Victoria, Brian Welch, will announce the investment this afternoon. “This is a coup for Australia, with Melbourne to be one of only three cities in the world to offer state-of-the-art simulation training in the building and construction industry,” Welch said in a media release earlier today.

The UK and the Netherlands have similar training centres for the building industry. This style of training helps develop communication and decision-making skills, according to Michiel Schrijver, owner and developer of the Dutch centre.

“The BLSC is a totally safe environment where trainees can make mistakes without the risk of project delays, budget overruns or injuries that exist on real building sites,” said Welch. The centre’s simulation training will allow participants to develop communication and problem-solving skills by navigating 3D building sites on a 15 m wide panoramic screen.

“As well as impacting workers, delays and accidents cost time and money. Experience in Europe shows that this style of training lifts employee performance, delivering safer, faster and more cost-effective building,” said Welch.

“That is good for our workforce, good for employers and ultimately good for Victoria’s economy,” he added.

The BLSC will offer courses including advanced OHS, leadership, communication and apprentice training, and deliver high-tech simulation learning as well as classroom and technical training.