Now an academy for a career in construction

ASSAP Media Company, a publisher of construction-related literature, is planning to start a Construction & Building academy at an estimated cost of Rs 20 crore.

Says its CEO, Pratap Vijay Padode: "We are targeting to create a pool of multiple talent in construction industry. We are in talks with National Academy for Construction to set up an academy". And why not? Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are the buzzword now. And with the emergence of these island of tax free real estate plots, India is witnessing a boom in construction activities across the country.

According a study carried out by Foundation of Infrastructure Reserch Studies and Training (FIRST), India needs three crore skilled workers in construction industry at a time when the country is building SEZs and various trade parks.

The academy will focus on civil engineering, management, finance and labour relations. The proposed course content will cover various aspects of engineering, management, topography, labour relationship and finance management. The location of the proposed academy will be near to Mumbai-Pune Express Highway. "We are yet to finalise the course content, duration and fees. We are scouting for a Director General for the proposed academy," says Padode.

Meanwhile, the company is in the process of constructing a website that will provide whereabouts of building materials, equipments and service providers. The company is also planning to rate various projects in association with a leading rating agency. It has also tied up with UAE-bsed company REIDIN to market the space of proposed website on construction. "This website and rating will supplement the concept of construction academy," adds Padode.