Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) contractors play such a crucial role in the construction and design phase of building a project; their success or failure can drastically affect the project\u27s overall success. MEP contractors’ use of Building Information Modeling (BIM) in the construction industry has grown exponentially over the past decade. This paper will expand on the utilization and practices of BIM by MEP contractors. This information functions as a foundation for my research into current professional BIM trends as they relate to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo’s (SLO) Construction Management (CM) curriculum. Cal Poly SLO’s CM department has designed the current curriculum to thrive on the continual implementation of current industry practices. Understanding how MEP contractors are implementing BIM, in today’s industry, helps the department prepare the next generation of Cal Poly CM students for success. This research will outline how MEP contractors use BIM in their construction processes and whether the implementation of BIM has affected MEP workflow. This research will be compared to how the CM department has designed the curriculum for the ‘Specialty Contracting’ (CM 411) course. Information will be compiled from surveys sent to MEP Contracting employee’s (Senior Project Engineer or higher), students who have taken or are currently taking CM 411, and research of the course learning objectives defining the course. An important element of this research is to provide a better understanding of the gaps still existing between the Cal Poly CM department curriculum and the MEP contracting companies desired level of BIM fluency in their employees
