On May 13, PORTILAME took part in the Civil and Environmental Engineering Conference, an initiative promoted by the Student Group (NEECA) of the School of Technology and Management of the Polytechnic Institute of Viana do Castelo (ESTG-IPVC).
The event brought together students, teachers and professionals to reflect on the future of the sector and the role of the new generation of engineers. Representing PORTILAME, Marcos Guimarães de Oliveira, Project Area Coordinator, took part in the round table dedicated to issues inherent to the challenges and opportunities for construction, sharing the company’s perspective on the future of construction.
Transforming the world of construction
During the round table, topics were discussed that reflect a changing reality, demanding but full of potential for those who are training today.
- New ways of working and technological transformation
The construction industry is reinventing itself. The introduction of digital methodologies such as BIM (Building Information Modeling) and the digitization of processes has led to significant gains in efficiency and accuracy, paving the way for more collaborative and integrated construction management. - Industrialization as an inevitability
The process of industrializing the construction process, with a focus on off-site, has emerged as a response to today’s demands for deadlines, quality and sustainability. More standardized models, with greater control over production, reduce errors and increase the predictability of results. - Lack of skilled labor
One of the main challenges facing companies like PORTILAME is the difficulty in finding qualified professionals, especially to work on the front line. Investing in continuous training, valuing talent and integrating new generations is fundamental to reversing this trend. - Attractiveness of civil engineering courses
The number of applicants to civil engineering courses has been falling, which raises questions about the attractiveness of the area. The importance of bringing students closer to the job market by presenting them with more appealing and challenging career paths was stressed. - The role of young engineers
We are in an era of transition. New engineers will play a key role in accelerating this change: more digital, more collaborative, more prepared for interdisciplinary and demanding environments.
Wood, innovation and future
PORTILAME also had the opportunity to reinforce its commitment to innovation and sustainability in wood construction, demonstrating how this approach is in line with current trends: from energy efficiency to reducing the carbon footprint, from the flexibility of construction systems to the positive impact on living environments.
For us, being present at these events is a way of contributing to a sector that is more aware, better prepared and more connected to the challenges of the future. Because building is also about inspiring those who are preparing to do so.