A Scottish University has played an integral part in the formation of an innovative new training academy in London.

The Building Control Training Academy at Westminster was officially launched last week with the help of Napier University’s Dr Sean Smith. He has been instrumental in designing Napier’s new post-graduate, Building Performance and Technical Direction course which will welcome its inaugural students in September.

Dr Sean Smith, Acting Associate Dean (Knowledge Transfer), Faculty of Engineering, Computing and Creative Industries, said: "Our new course will have a sharp focus on Building Control. The new academy in London has recognised our innovations in the field and that is why we were the only institution invited to speak at the launch.

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"Building Control, put simply, is the system whereby buildings are checked to ensure that they meet regulations, such as driving down carbon emissions. It is a wide remit, which is constantly being updated but our established work with construction companies has put us at the forefront."

He continued: "We have been asked to work with the academy in regard to our online learning and lifelong learning expertise which will play a crucial role for the industry. Architects, Technical Directors and Building Inspectors will be able to access modules from the course which will enable them to progress in their chosen fields, be it part-time, full-time or through distance learning. There is a government focus on lifelong learning and an increasing focus on demand-led provision for industry.

"Over the next 10-15 years provisions required for infrastructure and the built environment will be significant, including the 2012 London Olympics, a 45% increase in new build housing targets and around 2,000 projected new schools. Consequently, there will be a need for professionals to ensure that these new builds fully comply with regulations."

(GK/JM)