Training award

Winner

Clarkson Evans

Electrical contractor Clarkson Evans puts apprenticeship training at the heart of its business. Not only does it use its in-house training facilities to develop the qualified electricians it requires to meet the needs of its customers, but it also trains apprentices for other employers and runs short courses. The training centre that was started as a small in-house service in 1998 is now a profit centre with a turnover of £1.2 million. Training sales increased by 51% between 2004 and 2005.

In 2005, Clarkson Evans became one of only 2% of providers to be awarded Grade 1 (Outstanding) for leadership and management by the Adult Learning Inspectorate.

Runners-up

Buro Happold

In order to meet its needs for highly skilled and motivated engineers, Buro Happold has developed a bespoke training package for the first four years of a graduate’s career. As well as making sure they are technically up to speed, partly through the active role of mentors, on-the-job learning and self- study, the programme has a strong social element to engender camaraderie across all of its offices.

City and County of Swansea

The Corporate Building Services department at the City and County of Swansea carries out in excess of £26 million of work per annum and employs over 550 staff. With its Construction Connection programme, it is working with schools to provide 10 and 11 year olds with the chance to gain practical experience of the construction industry, and also takes on significant numbers of apprentices each year.

Haden Young

Haden Young is dedicated to investing in training. Its four-year engineering course leads to an HND and combines office and site experience with in-house training and Liverpool Community College block release courses. As well as m&e engineers, commercial training for surveyors was integrated into the college programme in 2005. It also offers apprenticeships for electricians, plumbers and h&v fitters.

N G Bailey

NG Bailey has a long-standing record of training and development. Last year it spent over £450 000 on improving its dedicated facility, the Bailey Engineering Academy, to increase its ability to provide successful craft and technical skills to apprentices and operatives. It also has a management training facility. In 2005, its was again awarded Grade 1 status by the Adult Learning Inspectorate, only of only three construction companies to do so.

Powerminster

Powerminster’s training facility, Sheffield Building Services Training was established to offer qualifications in gas, electrical and health and safety skills. In 2005 this merged with the parent firm’s Gleeson Training Services to form Specialist Building and Services Training. The facility serves the entire industry and around 70% of students are from third-party firms.