Griffith University and software development company Bentley Systems have launched an academic partnership believed to be the first of its kind in Australia.
The collaboration will see digital and spatial technology opportunities embedded into the curriculum spanning engineering, architecture and construction management, ensuring that students in built environment programs have access to industry leading software, and the chance to develop digital skills that are highly valued by employers.
“This partnership will empower students, academics and our industry partners with digital literacy and best practice tools to deliver sustainable built environment solutions,” Professor Sherif Mohamed, Head of School, Engineering and Built Environment, said.
“Bentley Systems is an infrastructure engineering software development company that supports the professional needs of those responsible for creating and managing built environment projects.
“We know that industry highly value graduates who are job-ready and familiar with commonly used software, and more importantly, with the skill of ‘learning how to learn’.
“The partnership will ensure a strong pipeline of highly skilled engineers that are across industry best practices and the latest technologies in the built environment space.
“The partnership will ensure a strong pipeline of highly skilled engineers that are across industry best practices and the latest technologies in the built environment space”
“It is something that both private and public sector delivery agencies value, given that these software suites are often being specified in tender documents.
“It is also of interest to major construction companies, ports and airport operators, for their civil design and asset management.
“This collaboration will ensure our courses are more industry relevant than ever and exponentially increase the employment prospects of our students.”
The academic partnership will have three aspects; teaching opportunities, research outcomes and professional learning benefits, which would offer short course industry opportunities to learn new software tools that are in high demand.
As part of the collaboration, a Bentley development lab will be located on campus.
“This high-performing computer lab space in our new Engineering, Aviation and Technology building on the Nathan campus, enables our students to design and view their projects straight away in augmented and virtual reality,” Associate Professor Cheryl Desha, Director of Engagement (Industry) said.
“Together with the building’s Makers Space and 2D and 3D printing studios on the same floor, students and industry colleagues can create and simulate in comfort.
“This type of approach to using an integrated suite of design and management software has not previously been available to industry professionals or students — we are really excited to launch this physical and online learning environment.”
Pro Vice Chancellor (Sciences) Professor Andrew Smith said Bentley Systems was highly regarded as an industry leader and this collaboration would be viewed with keen interest.
“This partnership between Griffith University and Bentley Systems is unique in Australia and we are excited to see be the first on this journey,” he said.
“Around the world, engineers and architects, constructors and owner-operators are using Bentley’s software solutions to accelerate project delivery and improve asset performance for the infrastructure that sustains our economy and our environment.”
The initial agreement between Griffith and Bentley Systems is for three years.