Sleepless in Sligo
In September, acla:works architectural technician Andron Roberts visited Sligo, Ireland. Those who know Andron might be surprised to learn that the motivation behind this trip was higher education rather than lager consumption. Andron enrolled in the third year of a Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management and Technology program at the Institute of Technology Sligo, and so, he went on a week-long trip to meet his professors, fellow students, and to see the school campus. Below, he answers a few questions . . .
MELANIE ARCHER: Why Sligo? It doesn’t strike me as a cutting-edge town.
ANDRON ROBERTS: Well, when you look across Ireland, the construction management syllabuses are similar, but Sligo is at the forefront of distance learning in Ireland. It’s one of the only schools that provides that service, and they’ve been doing so for ten years. This year, actually, they were voted second most improved Institute of Technology in Ireland. I’d been looking for a programme specially tailored to my particular needs – being able to work and study – and, after researching for about two years, their programme really looked impressive. I was particularly impressed that I would be doing the same work as the students there; I didn’t feel that I had to compromise in any way. Also, my degree won’t say “online”.
MA: Could you talk a bit about distance learning?
AR: The process is interesting – I think that with the emergence of the internet and social networking, it has become a lot easier. Before, you were on your own; now I feel as though I’m part of a class although we’re all spread out. Also, it’s easier to communicate with professors and it’s so advanced now that you’re able to have the same syllabus as students physically on campus.
MA: Why did you decide to pursue this degree?
AR: I was always interested in the construction process and technology in particular and I wanted to expand my knowledge in both of those things and this degree facilitates that.
MA: You’ve been with acla for 10 years; how did you become interested in construction management and technology?
AR: Initially I was interested in architecture but because I didn’t understand the building process; I thought an architect was responsible for every part of it. But when I started becoming more intimate with the process, this was the specialty I latched on to.
MA: Why is construction technology important?
AR: Even if you have the best idea for a structure, someone has to build it. And, in order to build it, you have to understand how buildings work and someone with that knowledge is integral to that process.
MA: Do you have any comments on the state of construction management in Trinidad and Tobago?
AR: In my experience, there are a lot of contractors or builders who fall into construction management because it’s necessary, but I don’t know if they’re educated in the field. Likewise, architects might manage the construction process, but they’re also not specifically educated in the field. I’m not certain there’s enough specialised training within the industry.
MA: What’s exciting in construction technology these days?
AR: For me, nothing in particular is exciting; it’s more about finding new technology to apply to old problems. But, the problems remain the same – preventing leaking roofs, shading your buildings etc.
MA: After your degree, what next?
AR: I’m hoping to bring the acquired knowledge back to acla and apply it accordingly.
below: Andron [fourth from left] with classmates on the Sligo campus. No, we don't know what he's looking at!
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