Disrupting the SySTEM: East Tennessee races to build future STEM workforce

It is critical to plan 20-25 years in advance for the jobs of tomorrow, according to Craig Layman, associate director for workforce development for the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education. But how can you start to develop a roadmap for that far into the future when it is a struggle to fill some of the jobs of today? In East Tennessee - and across the country – finding the right candidates and enough candidates to take over advanced positions in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, fields has become a constant battle. STEM occupations are at an all-time high, Layman said, while U.S. universities are struggling to keep up with the demand. The number of U.S. jobs that need significant STEM skill sets has jumped by about 34 percent in the last decade, according to Oak Ridge Associated Universities’ 2018 annual report.

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Introducing Standalone Takeoff Software by PlanHub: Simplifying preconstruction for everyone

PRWeb | September 01, 2023

PlanHub, the leading preconstruction software as a service (SaaS) company, is excited to announce that Takeoff Core, previously released as a cloud-based, integrated takeoff software built into PlanHub, is now also available as a standalone. Takeoff Core helps subcontractors perform takeoffs efficiently, eliminating the need for manual work, outdated desktop software, and complicated digital solutions. In preconstruction, time is money. The more time it takes to perform takeoffs and submit bids, the more subcontractors risk losing out on valuable revenue opportunities. Manual methods and locally installed desktop software can slow down takeoff processes, and many digital solutions currently on the market can be overly complex and not user-friendly. Takeoff Core relieves bottlenecks in the pre-construction workflow with automation that makes measuring and estimating faster and more accurate than traditional methods. It features a simple, user-friendly interface and intuitive measuring tools, so getting started is hassle-free. “We wanted to create an easy-to-use tool that helps subcontractors jumpstart their takeoff in minutes,” says Darius Shafie, Product Manager at PlanHub. “Takeoff Core does not require extensive onboarding or additional user training, so subcontractors can create takeoffs in as little as 15 minutes.” Accuracy is everything when it comes to takeoffs—manual takeoffs are more error-prone, and incorrect measurements can lead to insufficient (or excess) materials, costing difficulties, and lost project revenue. With Takeoff Core, subcontractors can modernize their takeoff process with a digital solution that helps mitigate risks by providing better takeoff accuracy than traditional pen and paper or outdated desktop solutions. Takeoff Core offers subcontractors a centralized hub to manage their takeoffs in a single place simply by uploading projects and their associated files. Team members can see takeoff statuses and collaborate in real time, regardless of where they are located. And because Takeoff Core is cloud-based, there is no software to upgrade or make manual updates to—it easily scales as a business achieves growth. "At PlanHub, our goal is to simplify preconstruction for everyone. Following overwhelming positive feedback from our subcontractor network using the new Takeoff Core, we are excited to make it available to all construction professionals, whether they have a contractor account with us or not. With Takeoff Core, we're giving contractors of all sizes powerful user-friendly tools to save time and work more efficiently," shares Ro Bhatia, CEO of PlanHub About PlanHub PlanHub is the data-driven platform transforming the preconstruction landscape within the construction industry. By empowering construction professionals with data insights and easy to use tools, PlanHub enables them to forge strong business relationships, streamline pre-construction processes, and make informed decisions effortlessly. PlanHub provides faster, simpler, and unmatched accuracy, laying a solid foundation for the rest of the construction process.https://planhub.com

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Engineering Tech

YOUNG & Associates Acquires IN-Line Consulting, LLC

YOUNG & ASSOCIATES | September 26, 2023

Property and claims consultants YOUNG & Associates (YA), has acquired the claims and engineering company IN-Line Consulting, LLC. Founded by Matt Watson and Mark Lively more than 16 years ago, IN-Line was formed to manage the consulting work offered by a full-service restoration company operating primarily in the Southeast United States. The move strengthens YA's footprint in that part of the country, solidifying the company's role as a national and international leader. IN-Line will operate as a subsidiary of YA and its day-to-day operations will continue to be directed by the existing IN-Line leadership team. The company's management and support teams also will remain in place. "This partnership with IN-Line is a significant step forward in growing our professional service offerings," said Wade Bushman, YA's CEO. "We appreciate IN-Line's diverse base of technical experts, exceptional customer service track record, shared cultural values, and employee-first workplace model. They are a natural addition to the YA team." IN-Line President Matt Watson explained joining forces with YA allows the company to better serve clients by broadening its resource base and expanding its capabilities nationally and internationally. The move also offers new avenues for personal and professional growth for IN-Line's employees. "Since our inception, we have focused on building a great team and culture that can best serve the wide-ranging needs of our clients," Watson said. "Now, with YA's resources and platform, we are well positioned to carry that commitment into the future." ABOUT YOUNG & ASSOCIATES YOUNG & Associates (www.youngonline.com) is a property consulting firm providing building damage assessments, forensic and investigative consulting services to the insurance industry, public and private sector clients. YA was founded in 1997 by Ray and Linda Young on the core values of knowledge, integrity, and professionalism. Through its 26 years, YA's range of property damage services has expanded, developing a broader client base, and growing the team to almost 600 staff strategically located across the U.S. and internationally. ABOUT IN-LINE CONSULTING, LLC IN-Line Consulting, LLC (www.inline.us) is a national construction consulting firm specializing in property damage restoration and reconstruction recommendations for all phases of construction. Historically, IN-Line has been engaged on large, complex losses which require the technical diversity, expertise, and experience unique to our team of professionals. IN-Line's principal services include the preparation of comprehensive and market-specific construction estimates, as well as detailed and practical scopes of reconstruction. IN-Line's other competencies include but are not limited to: cost of repair audits; on-site clerking; code reviews; construction schedule analysis; production efficiency and economy analysis; forensic engineering; and construction defect analysis.

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Construction

Deltek Announces Expanded Partnership with Procore to Elevate Construction Management

PR Newswire | September 21, 2023

Deltek, the leading global provider of software and solutions for project-based businesses, today announced an expanded partnership with Deltek ComputerEase within the Procore platform, marking a milestone with its involvement on the Procore App Marketplac Procore Technologies, Inc. is a leading global provider of construction management software and launched the Procore App Marketplace in 2016 as an online hub for third party integrations and custom applications modernizing the everyday life of the construction professional. The enhanced integration will benefit thousands of construction stakeholders who currently depend on Deltek and Procore for their financial and project management needs, ultimately helping enhance firms' profitability by enabling construction jobs to be managed more effectively. In addition, Procore will join the Deltek Marketplace, a curated collection of third-party vendors that bring value and ROI to project-based businesses, and Deltek ComputerEase will remain on the Procore App Marketplace. Deltek ComputerEase has a longstanding integration with Procore's Project Management platform, and this partnership will further the relationship between the two by bringing more connectivity and efficiency to the construction industry's daily operations. The expanded partnership offers more seamless data synchronization by connecting project management and accounting functions. Any changes made to projects will appear for all team members simultaneously, reducing errors and time spent on manual data transfers and updates, leading to improved efficiency, accelerated timelines, and smarter decision-making. "Through this enhancement, we can offer contractors and their accounting teams improved access to the meaningful data they need to successfully carry out a project," said Kris Lengieza, Vice President of Global Partnerships and Alliances at Procore. "Construction professionals using both platforms can now have access to accurate, real-time information that can be seamlessly shared between the jobsite and the back office, helping deliver projects on time and within budget." "Thousands of trade and general construction contractors already leverage Deltek ComputerEase and Procore to run their businesses, control their margins, and collaborate with stakeholders," said John Meibers, Vice President and General Manager for Deltek ComputerEase. "We're thrilled to continue our journey with Procore and look forward to delivering industry leading integration and customer experience for users of the ComputerEase and Procore platforms." Deltek ComputerEase is proud to be a Silver sponsor of Procore Groundbreak, being held in Chicago September 19-20, 2023. Attendees can learn more about Deltek and the expanded partnership with Procore at the Deltek ComputerEase booth, #16. About Deltek Better software means better projects. Deltek is the leading global provider of enterprise software and information solutions for project-based businesses. More than 30,000 organizations and millions of users in over 80 countries around the world rely on Deltek for superior levels of project intelligence, management and collaboration. Our industry-focused expertise powers project success by helping firms achieve performance that maximizes productivity and revenue. Learn more at www.deltek.com. About Procore Procore is a leading global provider of construction management software. Over 1 million projects and more than $1 trillion USD in construction volume have run on Procore's platform. Procore's platform connects key project stakeholders to solutions Procore has built specifically for the construction industry—for the owner, the general contractor, and the specialty contractor. Procore's App Marketplace has a multitude of partner solutions that integrate seamlessly with Procore's platform, giving construction professionals the freedom to connect with what works best for them. Headquartered in Carpinteria, California, Procore has offices around the globe. Learn more at Procore.com.

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