2 February 2012

Costain has achieved a 100% pass rate with the first nine candidates from its Project Management Academy (PMA).

The candidates successfully completed the final interview stage of the Association of Project Management's (APM) assessment process to become Registered Project Professionals (RPP).

As part of the process, participants had to show capability in 29 core competencies, including teamwork, planning, problem solving, leadership and communication, as well as demonstrate knowledge of 18 complementary competencies. Each of the candidates invested over 40 hours work in developing their portfolios, which are linked to the APM competence framework.

Having successfully completed the portfolio assessment, candidates had to complete a 45 minute professional interview with two assessors. While the process is rigorous and extensive, becoming a RPP-designated project manager means a customer can be confident the individual has been externally assessed to the highest standard.

The PMA is key to the ‘Choosing Costain’ strategy because it enhances the capability of the Group’s project management teams in delivering total solutions for its customers.

Launched in 2007, the PMA aims to raise the capability of project management across the Group and help its people gain a prestigious industry designation that recognises their ability to successfully manage a complex project. It is now hoped that more people from across the business will step up and sharpen their skills through the PMA and there is now no shortage of people who can pass on valuable experience on what it takes to succeed.

“It has provided me with a structure to all the knowledge and experience I have gained over my career and it will enable me to help and promote the RPP route for others,” said John Boyd, a Project Director, who has led the Costain drive for RPP.

Project Director, Geoff Hunt, who was also successful, said: “The questioning in the RPP was intense but I am delighted to have passed and I am keen to support others as a mentor and coach in the future.”

Commenting on the success of the candidates, Jeremy Galpin, Costain’s Training and Talent Manager, said: “Effective project management can be the most significant influence as to whether the project is a success or not. There is also an increasing demand from customers for evidence of our project management capability and, with its Project Management Academy, Costain is making great strides in meeting that demand.”

The APM has produced an APM corporate accreditation case study of the Costain Project Management Academy that can be accessed here.

Ends