The UK has the lowest uptake of contract management training of any market (43%), according to new research from NEC Contracts. The report Trained to Deliver: Training, Skills and the Future of Construction Contract Management, examines how contract management training equips people to deliver projects.
While 85% of those surveyed agreed the right training is important, 61% said there is a lack of training investment across the industry, a gap the report said is doing real damage to projects.
Rekha Thawrani OBE, Global Director of NEC Contracts, said: “People do not lack the ambition to work collaboratively. What they often lack is exposure, the chance to work through how a compensation event or an early warning actually plays out on a live project. That is what proper contract training gives them.”
Agreement that lifelong training is essential was lowest in the UK of any market, at 74%, as was agreement on the importance of soft skills (71%). Only 63% of UK respondents agreed contract management training correlates with project success, against 75% globally, and only 63% agreed it delivers a competitive advantage, against 77%. The report said this is a warning for an industry facing an ageing workforce, an ongoing skills gap and difficulty attracting young people.
A contract is the operating system a project runs on, which is why contract management training behaves differently to most other professional development. Just over half of those surveyed (54%) have undertaken it, most often to improve industry knowledge or competence. Among those trained, 75% agreed that the level of training in contract management correlates directly with project success, and 93% said it is beneficial for that training to be approved or accredited by the publisher of the contract.
The report is at www. neccontract.com/ trainingreport
Sarah Hitchings, Sales and Marketing Director at The Residence Collection, has joined people from across the UK fenestration industry on the Trek the Inca Trail challenge to Machu Picchu, raising over £6,500 for Harry’s Pals. The team pot is now over £50,000 (inc. giftaid).
The Residence Collection and Hitchings extend a huge thank you to everyone who supported the trek, with special gratitude to key industry sponsors Deceuninck, RegaLead, Quickslide, Cattaneo, GAP, FIT Show, Emplas, Stedek, Roseview, Diamond Droitwich and Three Counties. Harry’s Pals supports children and families facing challenging circumstances by providing practical help, tailored experiences, and emotional care.
Sarah said: “Taking on the Inca Trail was one of the most demanding yet extraordinary experiences of my life. I am deeply humbled and grateful for the overwhelming support and donations we received. Reaching Machu Picchu knowing we raised over £6,500 made every step worth it.”
sarahinperu.com