Bespoke Project Management Training for a City Council

BESPOKE PROJECT MANAGEMENT TRAINING FOR A CITY COUNCIL

THE CHALLENGE

This city council approached PL Projects with requests for a ‘benchmark’ qualification for a large team of project-based staff. Their requirements were for the training to be delivered over a period of three years whilst ensuring the impact on staff working hours was kept to a minimum. Alongside this, the aim was for two internal staff members to take over the course delivery after three years.

THE SOLUTION

The most suitable qualification for these requirements was the APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ). Our training team commenced delivery with a cohort of 12 staff from a number of different directorates within the council. The sessions were delivered in a classroom-style delivery to encourage discussions between staff members on issues or features of their own in-house projects. Using the Project Life Cycle as the structure for learning, the formal course material was delivered within ten weeks for each cohort, with a further three intensive post-delivery revision sessions before the final exam. Two of the council’s staff members were then identified to become internal trainers. After observing the first course delivery, their involvement increased with subsequent cohorts, of course with the support of our training staff along the way.

THE OUTCOME

The pass rate for the final exam was 100%, with an average score of 86% – 10% above the national average.
Feedback from course delegates was entirely positive, and the recognition of the value of project management within the council’s activities was enhanced.
The perceived value of the course to the council was such that the contract has been extended twice subsequently and they have also commenced delivery of our Associate Project Manager apprenticeship, which our training team are helping them deliver.