Construction Week aims to boost image of builders

a government initiative to promote the construction industry, national construction week, has been boosted with the announcement of its first event, to be organised by departments of the university of cape town (uct).

the departments of construction economics and management, civil engineering and the school of architecture, planning and geomatics at uct have taken up the challenge set by department of public works to promote the image and profile of the construction sector to young learners during national construction week (ncw), making the university of cape town the first institution to register an official event on the ncw website.

the uct departments are keen to attract female learners into the built environment and are organising a programme where grade 11 girls from local schools will be selected to participate in a fun day at uct where they will be exposed to various career options in the built environment.

the learners will be divided into groups and will be given tasks to do that will include designing a house, costing the house, building houses with junior tradesman kits, looking at the transport issues etc. prizes will be awarded to the winners.

campaign on campus

in addition, the organisers will host an awareness campaign on campus to promote the image and profile of the construction sector to students and staff.

the university is aware of the shortage of skills in the construction sector and by making people aware of the study and career options in this field, they will assist the government in developing the skilled professionals who will be able to deliver on the country's infrastructural needs.

national construction week is an initiative of the department of public works, implemented in conjunction with government infrastructure departments, public entities, local authorities, academic institutions, and the private sector.

a statement from the department says "hundreds of events are to be hosted countrywide during the course of the year, culminating into a week-long celebration of the industry during the week of july 27 - august 3."

this initiative is the first of its kind to be hosted in south africa.

challenge to companies

the department of public works is challenging other institutions of higher learning and companies in the built environment industry to host similar events to promote the industry as a promising career destination of choice to the youth.

any business, academic institution or school wishing to participate in national construction week, can log onto www.ncw06.org.za and follow the event or school registration guidelines.

alternatively, phone 0860 000 629 for more information.