CJ Awards 2009: Training

Kier's commitment to training is felt throughout the organisation. So it is no surprise the contractor enjoys a reputation for developing staff. Its careers development programme supports staff from entry level to senior leadership, and craft worker to director.

The judges were impressed with a genuine commitment to filling vacancies through internal promotion.

One said: "Kier has built a culture of staff development that is actively supported and measured, this is much more effective than simply providing training."

In 2008, training spend rose nearly 20%, taking average training days per head to 5.4 days.

The redevelopment of the career and graduate development programme illustrates a desire to continually test and tailor the quality of training.

This philosophy has extended to rolling out a foundation degree in construction management with Oxford Brookes University, presently teaching 62 students from school leavers to mature students and craft employees.

Numbers of apprentices were up 14%, sponsored students up 7%, technician and day release up 11%, and graduate intake rose 27%.

The company was commended for exploring e-learning to improve skills and safety awareness throughout the group.

In construction all management positions were filled internally saving an estimated £500,000 in recruitment costs.