Sterling Construction’s primary objectives for its workforce training program were to:
Needs Assessment: Sterling Construction conducted a thorough needs assessment, involving feedback from project managers, supervisors, and employees to pinpoint skill gaps and training requirements.
Grant Application: The company partnered with Building PPL to successfully secure a workforce training grant through the Commonwealth Corporation to support the training program financially.
Customized Curriculum: Sterling Construction, with the guidance and support of Building PPL, crafted a tailored training curriculum using vetted vendors of their choice. The curriculum encompassed critical areas such as effective communication, leadership development, Microsoft Project proficiency, Bluebeam and technical construction topics like permitting, HVAC, electrical and subcontractor management.
Training Delivery: Training sessions, totaling 93 hours, were held both on-site and off-site, designed to meet the specific needs of different employee groups based on their job roles and skill levels.
Monitoring and Evaluation: Sterling Construction, in collaboration with Building PPL, completed quarterly evaluations to the state to continually track employee progress. This ongoing evaluation process ensured that the training program remained aligned with its objectives, and necessary adjustments could be made promptly to maximize its effectiveness. Regular feedback loops from employees and trainers also facilitated continuous improvement.
Skill Enhancement:
Employees who participated in the training program exhibited significant improvements in their skills, translating into increased confidence and efficiency on construction sites.
Mistake Reduction:
Sterling Construction achieved a commendable 30% reduction in avoidable mistakes due to the enhanced skills and knowledge of its workforce.
Client Acquisition:
Over a two-year period, the company witnessed a notable 20% increase in new clients and projects, thanks to its improved reputation for quality and reliability.
Wage Increases:
As a direct result of the comprehensive and targeted training in the grant, 15 employees received wage increases of 15%, recognizing their enhanced skills and contributions to the company’s success.
Managing Subcontractors:
The Managing Subcontractors program, while initially leading to uncomfortable conversations among the team, ultimately facilitated team growth and collaboration. These conversations, though challenging, helped the team address issues head-on and find effective solutions, fostering a culture of openness and continuous improvement.
Scheduling Software:
The training in scheduling software proved to be a game-changer for Sterling Construction. Previously, only a handful of employees knew how to build or update schedules. However, after the training, a significant portion of the company’s workforce became competent in this process. This not only made scheduling more efficient but also enhanced accuracy. With more employees trained, there are now more checks and balances in place, resulting in fewer scheduling errors.
“Building PPL transformed our chaos into a symphony. Their strategic guidance and customized solutions reshaped our approach. Our team’s confidence is sky-high, and our clients couldn’t be happier.”
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