Aggregate Industries has benefited from making a significant investment to its management training after introducing a new Management Development Programme (MDP) across its UK teams.

Since introducing the scheme, 168 members of staff have enrolled onto the course, with 137 participants achieving the Chartered Management Institute Level 3 certificate in First Line Management. Projects implemented by MDP delegates have yielded cost savings and increased revenue in excess of £2m.

Divided into three modules, the course delivered training to managers from across all of Aggregate Industries’ divisions and involved tutorials, group exercises and theory work. Delivered at the Ashorne Hill training facility, the first module sees managers completing a health and safety site visit at one of Aggregate Industries’ sites, as well as consider a business improvement project.

Business improvement projects require participants to identify and support a wide range of stakeholder requirements. Attendees were asked to consider a return of investment (ROI) project that would either help Aggregate Industries increase its profit or make considerable cost savings.

David Butterfield, head of learning and development at Aggregate Industries, said: “The MDP programme has provided our colleagues with a fantastic opportunity to develop their skills and learn from each other’s experiences. The course has proved a fantastic and worthwhile investment from Aggregate Industries. It has allowed our team to deliver clever, innovative cost saving projects, as well as change their approach to the way they work.

“The programme tasked managers to develop their project management skills, which has resulted in Aggregate Industries receiving excellent ideas which have since been implemented. One example of a successful project is the introduction of in-cab technology in the company’s van fleet, which has resulted in reduced fuel and maintenance bills.”

Mr Butterfield continued: “The feedback that we have received has been fantastic. The management team have been able to closely work together and discuss their ideas and issues with one another, which has led to open communication throughout the company. It was also important that the course was held away from the office environment as it allowed attendees to completely focus on the MDP and we think that this was a particular benefit for everyone involved.”

The MDP develops managers’ skills and knowledge in areas including communication and leadership. Additionally, participants receive an accredited qualification on completion. The qualifications allow Aggregate Industries’ managers to develop the highest standards in management and leadership excellence.