A PROJECT at Okehampton College has been chosen for sponsorship from the world's largest supplier of computer-aided design software.

Autodesk will be having a major input into the Year 13 construction industry day 'Building Tomorrow' next Friday (June 23.)

The company will be providing up to the minute technology to help students design the redevelopment of a redundant site at the school.

Head of sixth form John Jarvis said: 'Although this is the third year the college has run the day-long project, supported by the local business community, we are absolutely delighted that our efforts have been recognised and encouraged by a major multi-national company such as Autodesk.'

Mr Jarvis said the company had been looking across the South West for a scheme to sponsor and felt the college's 'Building Tomorrow' project was a worthwhile one.

In the past, the teams of six students had worked with a local architect who the teacher said had done 'a wonderful job' but instead of the more artistic approach Autodesk wanted to show the students the latest in architectural computer-aided design and how it could supplement the traditional practices.

David Clarke who is responsible for the company's architectural software and a role model for the 'new age architect' will give a computer animated presentation in the college's Octagon Theatre on Monday (June 19) to which anyone with an interest in building is invited to attend.

Mr Clarke will help both students and people from the building industry involved in 'Building Tomorrow' relate to major developments such as those pioneered by BAA and Railtrack in preparation for the day.

Education liaison officer for Autodesk UK Karen Williams said: 'Just as the new age of UK construction has broken down traditional barriers between professions and trades, it is important that schools understand the contribution modern curriculum subjects such as media studies and the associated digital age skills make to successful building projects.

'Communication of design and the actual visualisation of potential problems on site offer immense job opportunities to the students of today.'

The school and winning team will receive software from the company.