In an industry as dynamic and demanding as construction, the strength of the business lies in its people. We’re continuing to see regulations evolve and client expectations rise, so the need for highly skilled and adaptable workforce has never been greater. While the sector continues to face persistent skills shortages and high turnover rates, Group Metropolitan are focusing on strategic ways to invest in internal training and continuous professional development (CPD). This investment has shown that sustainable growth and long-term retention are built on a foundation of continuous learning.

In 2023, GML recognised that many of its employees were resistant to traditional learning methods that required time away from the business to attend external courses. However, the desire and demand for professional development remained a high priority across the workforce. In response, Group Metropolitan introduced a CPD programme designed to balance operational demands with individual development goals, ensuring that the approach effectively met the needs of all stakeholders.

Internal CPD Model:

The CPD programme was carefully designed around parameters that maximise accessibility, relevance and business impact. To minimise disruption of day-to-day operations, learning sessions are scheduled during lunchtime, allowing employees to engage in development opportunities without significant time away from their core responsibilities.

The curriculum is intentionally balanced between technical (hard) skills and interpersonal (soft) skills, from role specific training to broader topics such as communication. Sessions are delivered by a mix of internal experts who understand our business inside out, and external specialists, including partners from our supply chain who bring valuable industry perspectives and best practices. This blend supports both immediate job performance and long-term career growth.

A cross-disciplinary element was also embedded in the programme, allowing employees to gain a deeper understanding of how different departments contribute to the business. This has not only improved internal collaboration but also enhanced the way employees communicate with clients – they’re more informed, confident and solution-focused in conversations that reflect a holistic understanding of the business.

The programme continues to evolve in line with business needs but remains firmly rooted in our core value of ‘people’, ensuring that learning and development stays at the heart of both professional growth and organisational success.

Feedback:

Feedback is central to the success of our CPD programme. After each session, employees complete feedback forms as part of the employee lifecycle review, answering questions such as:

• ‘Did the course improve your understanding of the subject field area’
• ‘What was the most valuable part of the training and what can be improved’

This process supports those delivering the training, allowing them to receive constructive insights to make adjustments for future courses.

Certification:

Every employee has a training profile that records all completed courses. Certificates are issued for both external and internal training, creating a record of achievement that employees and managers can use to plan future development.

This structured approach ensures employees are not just attending training but actively building a broader portfolio of skills that support their current role and future within the company.

Why CPD matters:

• Employee investment – With no set training budget, internal CPD offers a scalable and sustainable way to show employees that they are valued.
• Retention and motivation – Employees who feel invested in are more likely to remain engaged and committed.
• Business resilience – A multi-skilled workforce ensures Group Metropolitan is better prepared to adapt to client demands and future challenges.

At Group Metropolitan, we believe that investing in people is as critical as investing in infrastructure. By embedding internal CPD into our company, we ensure our teams remain engaged and ready to deliver the highest standards to our clients.