Case Study: Training and Development - Accord PLC

The Graduate Training Programme allows graduates to gain a wide range of experience over a set time frame of 2 years, made up of 4 x 6 month modules Assignments may be based in an Accord office or with any of their clients. There are different types of work, roles, locations and lengths of projects.

The scheme begins with an induction programme which provides:

• Organisational overview
• Health and Safety/Equality and Diversity awareness
• Summary of roles the graduate may be involved in
• General administration
• Introduction to some staff including Operational Manager
• Introductions to the Mentor and Business Manager
• Visits to current client project offices

Once the induction is complete the graduate is available for assignments

Graduates work with the Operational Manager and Mentor to determine objectives and the projects for the training scheme. Accord supports further learning, both in-house, through a number of structured skills courses, and externally certified courses. Regular reviews are undertaken as well as guidance and support given in respect of membership and activities of professional bodies.

Projects can vary in length, but the average length is between four and six months. During this time the graduate will often work on client sites integrating with their workforce to achieve the set project objectives.

Through work experience it is likely that the graduate will have established a preferred area of expertise. At the end of the scheme an interview will be arranged with the Operational Manager and Graduate to ascertain whether they wish to stay within the Group and in which sector.

The Graduate Scheme continues to be a success. There is a shortage of women in some fields, such as, quantity surveying and engineering, and the company provides technical and management support specifically adapted for them.

Two female graduates have completed the programme and are doing exceptionally well in the business.