12 Jun 2014
What would a facilities manager have to do on a space station? Students in Europe could soon find out by using a new interactive game.
The Mars Program learning tool accredited by the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) is being used in US high schools to teach students about the industry. If the pilot is successful it could soon find its way across the pond.
It is the brainchild of a former NASA scientist now involved in education and is designed to teach young people about facilities management and increase their interest in starting careers in FM.
IFMA fellow Nancy Sanquist said the Mars Program is already in use in high schools in California, Pennsylvania and Virginia and could also be extended to other areas of the country where youth unemployment is a particular problem.
It could lead to qualifications that could help them secure technical positions responsible for developing strategies in the workplace, she said.
Product strategy firm Planon is looking to take the Mars Program to Europe and there are also plans to extend it to the Chinese and Indian markets too.
Copyright Press Association 2014