In recent years and as a result of the recession, the construction and house-building industries have been hit by a ‘skills void’. This is particularly acute in management. Companies in this sector are finding it increasingly hard to attract and retain talented individuals with the skills required to lead business and sustain growth.
This challenge is being addressed by a partnership between Anglia Ruskin University's Degrees at Work team and construction service providers Tamdown Group. The collaboration has led to the creation of a bespoke business management degree for employers from both the group's companies, Tamdown and Triconnex. The new degree will allow workers to gain vital management theory and practice.
says Norman Greenwald, Head of Learning and Development at the group.
For Tamdown, the provision of a work-based degree programme is key to their staff retention strategy.
Richard Harpley, MD of TriConnex said:
The Tamdown Group also wants to position itself as the leading organisation for training and development in the sector. By partnering with Degrees at Work, who also work with companies such as Ridgeons and Willmott Dixon, the firm believes it can be instrumental in developing a new generation of highly skilled employees.
explains Norman.
The course covers key areas such as team and customer management, business planning and innovation workshops. Its structure allows employees to remain focused on their jobs, while having the flexibility to study at a time that best suits them.
Students study online through Anglia Ruskin’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), and on tailored workshops at the Chelmsford campus.
says Jon Bouffler, Director of Learning Development Services at Anglia Ruskin.
To find out more about how Anglia Ruskin University partners with companies to deliver practical, work-based learning, just visit aru.ac.uk/degreesatwork
or call 01245 686 707.