Preston construction firm scoops training award

8:50am Sunday 16th November 2008

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Conlon Construction from Preston has taken the national Award for Investment in Workforce Training and Development at this year’s Master Builder of the Year Awards.

Naomi Cleaver, presenter of C4 Grand Designs Trade Secrets, presented the award to Conlon Construction for its very effective training and development measures, which have produced real benefits for the company and its employees.

The FMB introduced this new category for 2008, Investment in Workforce Training and Development, which is supported by Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS), as part of its commitment to improving the competence and qualifications of those working in the construction industry.

Preston-based Conlon Construction of Bamber Bridge, which operates throughout the North West on both private and public sector contracts employs over 100 people.

The company provides a wide range of training for its employees, averaging 7 days training for every employee each year.

However, Conlon Construction was not chosen for the amount of training that it provides, but for the way in which it identifies training needs for the benefit of individuals and the growth of the business.

Over the past five years the company has increased its turnover by 400 per cent, with around half of this coming from partnering contracts.

In addition, the average value of the projects it works on has grown significantly.

Also, currently, 14 per cent of Conlon Construction’s site-based workforce are apprentices and a very impressive retention rate of 90% has been achieved.

The Master Builder of the Year Awards, now in its ninth year, is organised by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), the UK’s largest building trade association.

These annual awards celebrate the outstanding work delivered by the vast majority of builders who can only be nominated by highly satisfied clients.

Speaking at the Awards ceremony, FMB director general, Richard Diment said: “These Awards are an opportunity to showcase projects from small to large from around the country that would otherwise be overlooked.

“It is a pleasure to reward Conlon Construction for the investment it has made and continues to make in its workforce training, which is obviously helping the business to be more robust and in the best shape possible to survive and thrive,” Richard added.

“Our congratulations go to Conlon Construction for this well-deserved award.”

They win a luxury all inclusive weekend break for two at any of the UK Barceló Hotels.