Progress on Building Information Modeling Education and Talent Acquisition

ABSTRACT Building Information Modeling (BIM) has become the norm in most of the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) companies, yet the lack of qualified BIM talent is impeding its adoption. This study revisited two previous research projects conducted in 2013 to provide an update on the changes in BIM educational strategies, and work practices which accompanied the global rise in BIM implementation over the years, and to answer the research questions: 1) how does higher education prepare students for BIM-related workplace competency, and 2) what did companies do differently in recruiting and staffing to respond to clients’ growing demands on BIM services. A survey questionnaire consolidating questions from the two studies was administered to solicit inputs from practitioners and educators. The results indicated the continued growth of BIM integration in college curricula and implementation in AEC companies. Different trends and patterns in BIM education and recruiting practices since 2013 were discussed. This study demonstrated the increased collaboration between academia and industry and improved professional BIM training and college BIM education. This study will help colleges determine the educational objectives to develop BIM talent and encourage companies to rethink their BIM talent acquisition and recruiting strategies.