Training & Personal Development at Aurecon PH

My practice group conducted a formal training for me as a grad to expose me to different fields in my practice group. I also got to learn the software used in the industry within a short amount of time. Our practice group also conduct some more training that is more specific which includes the onshore team. Overall, I learned around 4 new software within 3 months of my tenure in the company.

The training and development programs at Aurecon are tailored to guide us in every stage of onboarding. The onboarding activities help us learn more about the business design, the company's projects, the principles and ethos, the Aurecon attributes, safety protocols in the office and in remote sites, our benefits and compensation, our role cards, performance and development goals, how we can level up, as well as channels where we can access learning courses and many more. In office meetings we were also introduced to the practice of kickstarting a meeting with a health and safety moment. There are also different activities / meetings we can join to enhance our soft skills as well as our technical skills like email writing, leadership skills, time management, dealing with difficult conversations, automation, programming, and many others.

Most of the training and development programs at Aurecon are self-driven/self-taught, it is very friendly with beginners as we control our own phasing in terms of learning. Aurecon also provides a vast source of information that anyone involved can learn anything they want depending on their interest.

There are a lot of learning materials open for us employees that we can easily access. However, there has been a lack of projects wherein fresh graduates like me can be utilized, and so the opportunities for experience are a bit lacking.

Graduate program: Aurecon ways of working Soft skills-focused training: time management, leadership, reading faster, email writing Practice-focused training: ArcGIS, FME

We have access to LinkedIn Learning, a database of courses/lectures developed internally, and training sessions arranged by our team leads/other colleagues. I’ve picked up technical skills relevant to my role and ones relevant to my peers’ roles, as well as soft skills from workshops.

There's lots of training, and it's not just one-way trainings (wherein there's a speaker and an audience who just listens, and then Q&A at the end), but it's more than that, the trainings I've attended to are interactive, the speaker usually has an activity for the audience wherein after, we'd discuss about the results of our activities. For the skills I've picked up, it's surprisingly a lot. I didn't expect to be able to handle the amount of softwares/programs that I am now exposed to in such a short amount of time, so I'm extremely satisfied with the trainings I go through.

When I joined Aurecon, my manager and I had an immediate meeting to discuss our timeline for formal software training. This structured approach set clear expectations right from the start, providing me with a roadmap for my technical development. Additionally, soft skills training has been a key area of focus; sessions like Limelight and Soft Skill Series 101 are always present in my calendar and are highly encouraged for us as graduate engineers. Comments and Suggestions for Training Improvement Current Training Dynamics: State: Currently, most of my training sessions are one-on-one with my manager. While this individualized attention is beneficial, I have noticed that there are limited opportunities for collaborative training within the team. Suggestion: It would be advantageous if the Global Development Centre (GDC) could organize planned technical training sessions for graduate engineers. Such sessions could be more structured and inclusive, allowing us to engage in collective learning experiences. Collaborative Training Opportunities: State: Given that our team is busy, collaborative training involving other team members is rare. Suggestion: Introducing more team-based training sessions could enhance our learning experience. These sessions could be designed to encourage knowledge sharing, foster teamwork, and help us understand different aspects of the projects we work on. Structured Training Programs: State: While the individual training provided by my manager is valuable, a structured training program could standardize learning across the organization. Suggestion: The GDC could develop a comprehensive training program specifically tailored for graduate engineers. This program could include a variety of sessions such as technical skills training, software usage, and practical workshops, allowing for a balanced skillset. Positive Aspects of Aurecon's Training Approach Despite the busy schedules and current training dynamics, there are several positives worth highlighting: Open Communication: State: A significant strength of Aurecon is its open lines of communication. I have never hesitated to ask questions or seek clarification, knowing that support is always available. Impact: This fosters a supportive learning environment where continuous improvement is encouraged. Personalized Training: State: The one-on-one sessions with my manager provide personalized guidance and mentorship, which has been very effective in addressing specific needs and questions. Impact: These sessions ensure that training is tailored to my individual growth and career development. While the existing training structure has its merits, incorporating more collaborative and structured training opportunities could greatly enhance the learning experience for graduate engineers. By providing a blend of individual and group training sessions, and leveraging the strengths of open communication, Aurecon can continue to foster a supportive and enriching environment for all its employees.