Company Updates:
Glider champions BIM careers during National Careers Week

For people approaching the end of their academic journey and for those considering a career change, it can be a daunting time as you start to plan your next steps. In recent decades the career landscape has changed dramatically with new industries, roles and opportunities emerging. There is an abundance of jobs for people to choose from, but with a lack of awareness around many contemporary and specialist occupations, it’s difficult for people to find their way to these roles.

What is BIM? And what is Information Management more generally?

Many people know about architecture, engineering and construction, but less know about the rapidly growing digital side of the sector. Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a process that includes the use of specific technologies and approaches when creating and managing buildings. In 2016, BIM was mandated by the UK government as the recognised approach when procuring and delivering capital project work. BIM is a collaborative process supported by a variety of technology solutions, including software that enables project parties to manage and utilise information in a centralised area, making it available for sharing, reviewing, approving and issuing. The digital platform is what is known as a Common Data Environment (CDE).

The design and construction of built assets is a very collaborative process, but it can be difficult for all the different people involved in the project to share information. Using a CDE allows the independent teams to integrate their processes. This facilitates efficient co-operation and minimises the risk of losing information. Digitising information is hugely beneficial for construction projects as teams can improve collaboration with each other.

Glider is a software vendor, consultancy and services provider focused specifically on the Architecture, Engineering, Construction & Owner/Owner Operator (AECO) industries. We guide asset owners, public sector bodies, developers, architects, engineers and contractors through the full lifecycle of a building project; from conception, through to construction and operation of the building to final decommission or disposal. We support our clients through every phase of the asset lifecycle through our specialism in information management and our custom-built CDE platform, gliderbim®.

Getting into BIM

Glider encourages people that are interested in the built environment industries to also consider a career in information management. This may include apprentices, graduates or career changers. There is no linear career path to information management, and everyone that works at Glider has their own unique background.

Sarah Marshall, Digital Delivery Manager at Glider commented, “Other than the one module in my university degree I didn’t really know what BIM or Information Management was or that it could be a standalone career! Through my first role in an architect’s practice, BIM was just creating 3D models and I realised I had more of an interest in the software than creating a model of how a window sits in a brick wall. Then an opportunity came up for me, and I found out that asset management is the ‘why it happens’ and I wanted to explore it more!”.

For people starting a career in information management, Sarah said: “Ask questions, stay curious and be inquisitive. Take any opportunities that come your way and take in any information that comes your way”.

Working at Glider

Glider believes that information management companies should reflect modern values. This is an essential consideration for people beginning their career, or indeed changing their career. We promote a progressive work culture to support the needs of a modern workforce. We do this through a diverse approach to recruitments and a flexible work culture. Glider is also a fully remote organisation. This means that location is not a limiting factor for those who want to work with the company.

Progression Opportunities

As mentioned, career changes are not considered unusual at Glider. Henry Saunders, Head of Operations, worked in the legal industry before making his transition to Glider. Henry graduated from university with a degree in criminology. After graduating, Henry pursued his passion for law by practising Quality and Compliance at a law firm. As an ISO Accredited Lead Auditor, Henry then ran his own consultancy. This provided ISO compliant systems for several construction industry clients in Information Security, Quality Management and Environmental. Henry later returned to the legal industry, leading the Quality, Risk and Compliance team at a top 50 law firm. He then transferred his skills to the BIM sector, taking on the role of Business Operations Manager at Glider. After 11 months, Henry progressed to Head of Operations of the organisation.

Likewise, Emma Hutchinson, Human Resources Manager at Glider, worked exclusively in the health sector before working at Glider. Emma qualified as a Registered Nurse, and practised nursing in the NHS for 11 years before beginning her Glider journey. Emma began as a Personal Assistant to the directors. She then worked as a Compliance Officer and later taking her current role as Human Resources Manager.

Glider assesses people holistically to ensure that their strengths are being reviewed without any bias. Stuart Bell, Director of Sales and Marketing at Glider commented, “As well as wanting to build value in the business, we want to create opportunities for our people such that they can thrive and grow. I have worked in other businesses where you win work at almost any cost. That is just not our motivation or our culture. We are nothing without our people: it is their intellect and skills set that make us successful in supporting our customers’ ambition and their desired project and asset outcomes.”

If you’re interested in finding out more, please visit the Glider career page. To find out more about Glider and gliderbim® call 0203 8268 001 or email us.