Supporting the development of over 50 Project Control professionals at Costain

A case Study with Simon Petty & Joe Wadsworth

We have been working collaboratively with Costain since 2018 in support of the Project Controls Resources (PCR) framework awarded by EDF. As part of the framework, Costain were committed to develop and grow EDF’s core project controls capabilities and provide specialist support to EDF Energy’s Central Technical Organisation to improve project performance and deliver cost efficiencies.

20/20 Project Management Training were approached to help fulfil this commitment, utilising the ECITB’s Certificate in Project Controls as a method to provide a comprehensive development platform for the future Project Control talent within both Costain and EDF. The nine-month programme equips learners with a thorough understanding of the knowledge underpinning the project control profession. Delegates also explore theoretical concepts through assignments, connecting the course with the realities of their projects and wider corporate governance.

To enrich the learning experience and foster professional networks, 20/20 ensures course delivery takes place at various operational sites across the UK. Reflecting on how this approach benefits individuals, Simon Petty, Costain’s Regional Project Control and Framework Lead, remarked, 'Student learning is supported by 20/20 through the provision of a flexible hybrid approach to enable students to work around their home and work schedules, including travelling to Costain and client sites to apply theory within the workplace environment. The balance between on-the-job training and classroom tuition has proven to provide a strong platform for individuals to progress into senior project control positions within the business.'

The programme concludes with each team generating a Project Execution Plan (PEP), which is presented back to the learner’s managers to consolidate their learning and celebrate what has been achieved over the nine-month period. Illustrating the programme’s success, Joe Wadsworth, a member of the original cohort from 2018, has since advanced to the position of Regional Project Control Lead and warmly recalls his experience with the programme: 'The course is a brilliant first step for people at the beginning of their project control journey. The mix of learning, presenting and teamwork really helps build the perfect professional, and I still fondly remember my time doing the course.'

To date, the programme has nurtured over 50 new Project Control professionals, benefiting both the Clients Framework and the Nuclear industry as a whole. Simon Petty, Costain’s Regional Project Control and Framework Lead, commented on the partnership, 'We have been working with 20/20 for over 5 years, during this time we have built a strong and professional relationship. The ongoing support from 20/20 has meant we have been able to develop many of our employees, which has not only improved our skills & knowledge but also provided organisational growth.'

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