Online Academy Update: UCEM launches new website and courses

Posted on: 2017-10-27

At UCEM, we’re committed to providing high-quality courses for specific learning needs within the sector. We recently spoke to Carmel Smith, Online Academy Product Manager, who explains what our Online Academy provides and outlines the courses available.

What is the Online Academy?

Our Online Academy is an online training academy designed for professionals seeking continual professional development (CPD) for their career enhancement. There are two different types of courses available: self-managed courses and tutor-supported short courses – both of which have been designed to meet specific needs.

At UCEM, we’re proud of the flexibility provided by our online learning. Course participants can study anywhere in the world at a time and a place that suits them, without needing to travel to a specific location.

What is the difference between the courses?

Self-managed CPD courses have no set start date which means participants can start the course whenever they want. These smaller bite-sized pieces of CPD are a great way for professionals working in the real estate and construction industries to refresh their knowledge or fill in any gaps they may have.

Formal CPD certificates are provided on successful completion of our courses, enabling professionals to satisfy their annual CPD requirements without having to attend face-to-face seminars. They are also suitable for graduates at the start of their career who are working towards their professional membership.

Alternatively, there is the option to study one of our tutor-supported courses with fixed start dates. These are suitable for those who wish to study a specific subject, with the additional support of an online tutor. Being online, the structure of these courses also means that they are ideal for businesses who wish to train staff without committing employees to off-site training days. This is a cost-effective way of training your employees to provide greater value for your business.

What are your plans for the Online Academy in future?

We’re always analysing the sector and building on the breadth of courses we offer. Our aim is to provide relevant courses that meet the needs of graduates and professionals in the sector. For example, we have two new tutor-supported courses starting this Autumn – ‘Construction Project Management’ and ‘Quantity Surveying Fundamentals’.

What can we expect from these courses?

The ‘Construction Project Management’ course enables you to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills required to undertake the planning, co-ordination and control of construction projects. This is a 12-week course delivered online, with tutor support and online forums. Topics covered include project planning, scheduling, resource and risk management, and handover procedures. The course is most relevant for professionals involved in construction projects – and aims to provide an understanding of the issues and skills required to operate in this dynamic environment.

The ‘Quantity Surveying Fundamentals’ course enables you to develop your knowledge and understanding of quantity surveying techniques and issues in accordance with best practice within the industry; for example, cost and contract management. It’s been designed to provide employees that currently work in the construction industry with basic quantity surveying knowledge. Professionals from other industries may also find this course useful if they’re looking to develop their skill set or move into quantity surveying. With no formal entry requirements required, the course provides an introduction to the world of quantity surveying.

Where can we find out more about the courses?

Head to our Online Academy website which details all the CPD courses available through UCEM.