Excellence in Learning and Development

This category is open to all types of companies working in the geotechnical industry that can demonstrate excellence in learning and development opportunities between January 2024 and January 2025.

This category aims to recognise in-house learning and development teams (not training agencies) that deliver excellent opportunities for staff development and can demonstrate how this has supported the wider business.

Aecom 
GEO Grounding: In-house technical training academy

AECOM’s GE Technical Practice Groups and ECN identified a need to upskill GE team members, support career development and grow a more agile ground engineering work force, to be able to adapt to changing commercial and client needs ie. energy sector growth. To meet these evolving needs, GE have developed an in-house training academy, called GEO Grounding, comprising pre-recorded modules (videos) and focused workshops, put together by a network of senior experts with the aim to improve skills and competencies, build resilience and agility in our team and improve engagement across our national global GE business. 6 modules and workshops have been developed and delivered to 35 ECN members to date; the feedback received has been extremely positive. Another 4 modules are currently in planning, for roll-out through 2025, extending out into topics including geotechnical design. 

Cundall
Elevate management development programme

At Cundall, our strategic objective is to cultivate a high-performance culture through exceptional leadership and dedicated local management teams. We are committed to supporting career development and investing in our people to ensure ongoing business success. Our People Strategy, ‘Building Talent for the Future’, focuses on nurturing early career professionals with comprehensive training and development initiatives, and then as they progress into leadership roles, equipping them with the necessary skills for success. Our Elevate Management Development Programme exemplifies this commitment, offering a blended approach to leadership training over five months. In 2024, we enhanced existing programmes and developed new initiatives to support leaders globally. Targeted sessions on performance reviews and inclusive culture have significantly improved engagement and understanding among managers. This dedication to excellence in learning and development strengthens our people, culture, and business.

Fugro
Journey to One Fugro Academy

The Fugro Academy Training Centre in Plymouth, UK, is a state-of-the-art facility that provides top-tier training for internal and external candidates. Established in 2015, the centre offers a wide range of marine and land surveying courses, including specialised training for remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and uncrewed survey vessels (USVs). With its advanced simulators, workshops, and quayside access, the centre ensures that participants gain hands-on experience and practical skills for their professional development. In the year January 2024 to January 2025, over 1,750 courses were completed. Fugro Academy Plymouth exemplifies our dedication to excellence in learning and development. We have set a new standard in the ground engineering industry by aligning with business goals, integrating with our HR strategy, achieving remarkable outcomes, and embracing innovative approaches.

Keltbray
NextGen construction leaders

NextGen Construction Leaders Initiative is a programme aimed at developing talent and encouraging lifelong learning across all career levels, from apprentices to senior executives. With a £1.2 million investment in Learning and Development for 2024, the initiative addresses critical industry challenges such as skills shortages and succession planning, while creating a sustainable and inclusive pipeline of future leaders. At its core is the Senior Leadership Development Programme, a bespoke mini-MBA developed with Ulster University, enhancing strategic thinking and operational excellence. Complementing this is the Bespoke Leadership and Management Programme for mid-level managers, featuring 12 tailored modules addressing sector-specific challenges. Keltbray also prioritises mentoring through ILM-backed coaching programmes, alongside structured graduate and apprenticeship pathways, which emphasise Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion. Digital learning platforms, Flex and Keltbray Learn, further enhance access to high-quality training. Recognised with Gold Accreditation from the 5% Club, Keltbray sets a benchmark for workforce development and industry leadership.

Ward & Burke Construction 
Visuals learning tools

GThe Constructor Handbook sets a new benchmark in learning and development by leveraging visual learning to enhance safety and collaboration across disciplines. Recognising that people retain information more effectively through visuals, WBCL transformed health and safety procedures into accessible pictorials. These visuals simplify complex risks, making them understandable across all experience levels while fostering engagement in the risk assessment and work planning processes. The handbook integrates seamlessly into inductions, RAMS, toolbox talks, and formal training, ensuring its relevance across WBCL’s global operations. It drives collaboration, improves hazard awareness, and promotes safe practices. Its reusable, scalable, and adaptable 3D designs demonstrate innovation and cost-efficiency. Aligned with WBCL’s commitment to safety and operational excellence, the Constructor Handbook is a transformative tool that empowers a diverse workforce, enhances learning outcomes, and sets a gold standard for interdisciplinary learning and development in the industry. I