Kier Group plc : Kier introduces second degree programme

Kier has demonstrated its ongoing commitment to the training and development of its staff with the offering of a second foundation degree programme.

Seventeen Kier employees started the Kier Foundation Degree in Integrated Maintenance and Facilities Services in January.

The programme has been designed with Sheffield Hallam University to give a broad knowledge of many of the areas of business covered by the Kier Services division, including modules such as building environmental issues and services, management of support services and resources, and waste and recycling management.

Kier already offers its employees the opportunity to study for the highly regarded Kier Foundation Degree in Construction Management. Nearly 100 students are currently enrolled on this successful programme, which is now in its fourth year, and the 30 students who have so far completed the course have all chosen to continue to study towards the full BSc Hons degree.

Aimed at both Kier school leavers, and existing Kier staff with two years' experience who would like a formal qualification to underpin their skills, the Kier Foundation Degree in Integrated Maintenance and Facilities Services will be taught part-time over three years. It will offer an invaluable combination of practical, on-the-job training in the workplace, and classroom theory - taught in four, one-week residential blocks throughout each academic year.

At the end of the three-year course, students may choose to continue to study for a further 18 months to obtain the full BSc Hons degree, which Kier and Sheffield Hallam are currently working towards being accredited by both the Chartered Institute of Building and the British Institute of Facilities Management.

Kier Services director, Karim Khan, commented: "We know that our success is down to the talent, hard work and commitment of our people, and we believe strongly in investing in their professional and personal development. The Kier employees who complete the Kier Foundation Degree in Integrated Maintenance and Facilities Services will gain a formal, recognised qualification which will stand them in good stead for their careers with Kier - and beyond. They will gain the knowledge, skills and experience relevant to their role and will also benefit from great networking opportunities as they meet and work with staff from all disciplines of Kier Services across the UK.

"At the same time, Kier secures more motivated and engaged employees, with a well-rounded knowledge of what we do across the board, who are perfectly qualified to meet our business needs. It's a win-win situation for everyone."

Pam Foster, a team co-ordinator for one of Kier's repairs and maintenance contracts, started the new foundation degree last month and commented: "The opportunity to study at the same time as gaining real experience in the workplace is really exciting; the combination of academic and practical learning will give us a real boost to our careers - specifically at Kier but also in maintenance and facilities services more generally.

"In the current climate I find it both refreshing and encouraging that Kier is willing to put the time, effort and finances into its employees and it has definitely boosted my confidence and hopes for the future. I've just finished my first block week at Sheffield Hallam University where I've met my tutors and all the other Kier employees who are going to do the foundation degree - it will be great to be able to share our knowledge and experience as we progress through the course - I can't wait to get started."