Specialist construction solutions provider Groundforce has become one of a select band of suppliers to run an ICE (Institution of Civil Engineers) company approved training scheme (CATS).
Used mainly by large consultancy or contracting companies, the scheme is designed to provide a structured pathway for graduates to gain sufficient experience to progress to becoming incorporated or chartered engineers.
The ICE scheme will enable Groundforce to attract the top graduates and for the company to fast-track them through their professional development. Full chartership can feasibly be achieved in four to five years. Alternative routes to membership such as career appraisal usually take considerably longer.
Groundforce is now looking to enrol most of their graduates on to the CATS which will reap numerous benefits for the individual and the company. These include upskilling trainees’ technical and professional competence and increasing trainees’ general awareness of the construction industry.
In addition, it will provide a sustainable approach to managing, growing and retaining Groundforce’s technical team by the in-house development of highly qualified, talented and experienced engineers.
It will also demonstrate Groundforce’s commitment to being an employer of choice through its investment in young engineers and will provide access to additional opportunities for CPD activities.
The ICE scheme will be supervised by Groundforce technical director Tony Gould and head of engineering design Andy Lowe acting as SCEs (Supervising Civil Engineers).
Tony said: “We are extremely proud to have an in-house scheme approved and up and running. Most engineering graduates aspire to gaining professional recognition. We see our CATS as an investment in our graduate talent pool which will reap long term benefits for both individuals and Groundforce as a company.”