Swinford student awarded digital distinction

A LECTURER in the GMIT's Department of Building and Civil Engineering, Wayne Gibbons, has developed a digital badge in association with RPS, a multinational engineering consultancy firm, which recognises and rewards students who demonstrate outstanding communications and mentoring talent as well as technical proficiency in civil engineering software.

Mr. Gibbons, who developed the digital badge as part of his doctorate studies, says the innovative micro credential award complements the formal degree qualifications and verifies for employers that a range of skills have been acquired by the graduate.

The department has developed a suite of digital badges for a first-year module pilot study. The Best Mentor in Class badge is unique in that it is presented to only one first year student each year, chosen by their classmates, through peer (student) nominations, as well as in consideration of high technical proficiency using the design software.

This year’s digital badge was awarded to civil engineering student Conor McLoughlin from Swinford. In addition to the digital badge, Conor also won a day to attend the RPS office in Galway.

The Department of Building and Civil Engineering has well-established links with RPS through student and staff collaborations on research and innovation projects and initiatives.

Mr. Gibbons says the digital badge offers great value for employers in the recruitment of college graduates: “It recognises a set of important skills and traits, in addition to their formal degree awards.”

Mark Costello, director, BIM and Technical Services, RPS, met with Wayne over two years ago to outline the type of characteristics RPS values in engineering and architectural technology graduates, helping design the badge, and offered to give the winner, Conor, a full day in their Galway office to see first-hand the practical skills necessary to deliver large infrastructural and building projects in new collaborative design and 3D working environments.

“The badge is a fantastic incentive for students, the college and potential employers. Awarding it to a first-year student as part of a module encourages them to work better as a team and in class. It also provides them the opportunity early on in college to experience the working world and the skills they will need to progress,” he said.

For further information about digital badges, see: https://www.gmit.ie/about/digital-badges.