Niks Samauskis: In Studies I Gained Much More than I Expected
At the beginning of February, the students of the study programme “Wooden Houses and Eco-Building” who are now already graduates defended their final theses at Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences. Graduate Niks Samauskis had developed his work with special care. The topic and quality of his qualification work surprised also the professionals. In his work, Niks focused on “The new production building of "Byko-lat” Ltd.”.
The graduate does not hide that the choice of the topic is free and limited at the same time. The students are told what type of buildings and structures they can and cannot choose. In addition, the students are also given the main reference points according to which, in a sequential and structured manner, everyone is able to fulfill and develop the necessary work.
Niks chose the particular building because during the studies he went to acquire the development of his practice and even additional drawings and the creation of a construction project exactly in the company "Byko-lat" Ltd. with the project manager and construction engineer, incl. also Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences lecturer Dainis Gelbergs. The graduate says that all the knowledge related to construction has been obtained at Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences and the previously mentioned company "Byko-lat" Ltd.
"As the company had started to expand and were building a new production building (which met and even "exceeded" the necessary requirements for the qualification work), I decided without hesitation to develop the final work on the basis of this 2,700 m2 production building," said Niks.
He is convinced that the elaboration of the final work is a great value in itself, “because, during the study years, it is not possible to teach and learn everything necessary in construction. But in the final work, a person who wants to invest with his heart and soul by gaining the maximum has to make a great effort. In the process of work development, real facts and technical knowledge are required, which would guide the construction managers, brigade leaders, and other employees in the construction process as well. Namely, this work execution project would be their main guideline during the construction. It is not possible to develop such a large work at once so that it is perfect. So what I will definitely take and use in the future is the learning process itself - experience, because I know that I will do it better, more precisely, easier each time. I also developed 3D animation for the first time, and it will definitely not be my last.”
Looking back at his studies at Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences, Niks said: “It cannot be described in words at all! So much has happened, so much has been done and achieved in these recent years (mostly outside of lectures - organizing events, achievements in sports, presenting in TV programs, choir, etc.). I was expecting student life, but I didn't fully understand where I was going and what I was signing up for. As if it was the construction of wooden buildings, but at the same time – general construction management. I gained much more than I expected - the program not only teaches construction technology and its processes, it also teaches me to think rationally, to think like an adult. In any case, the program is not among the longest, and construction managers are much needed and well paid. There is a great opportunity to obtain higher education and be in demand in the labor market until, for example, new interests in other industries or studies emerge. I especially want to apply it to those who do not yet know what they want to do in life. And for those who are not unfamiliar with the construction industry - all students learned something new, both from each other and from experienced teachers who always shared their experience and knowledge. I was really happy to be a part of Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences!”