The Value of Training and Developing Our Staff at AKN Engineering

At AKN Engineering Ltd, our greatest asset is our people. As a site engineering company based in Hertfordshire, covering the surrounding counties, we believe in providing not just quality services but also a top-tier workforce to ensure projects run smoothly and efficiently. One of the ways we achieve this is by investing in our staff, particularly through our commitment to training and developing new graduates.

On-site training in action: AKN Engineering's commitment to developing skilled site engineers through hands-on mentoring and highway project experience.

In this blog post, we’ll explore how we train our team, why we bring on graduates, and the benefits these practices bring to our clients

 Why We Invest in Graduate Talent

At AKN Engineering Ltd, we’re passionate about offering opportunities to new graduates. By taking on fresh talent, we’re not just filling positions—we’re helping develop the next generation of engineers. The construction industry can be a challenging environment for newcomers, but we’re proud to play a part in easing that transition and helping our local community by creating jobs.

For graduates, the chance to work alongside experienced professionals from day one is invaluable. Our graduates gain hands-on experience working directly with senior engineers, allowing them to quickly apply their learning and grow their skills. This structured approach benefits both the individual and the company, as we can mold our staff into experts who know our high standards and best practices.

From a social value perspective, this approach means we’re not just offering work, but creating meaningful career opportunities for young people in our community. For more information on how construction jobs help boost local employment, visit the CITB - Construction Industry Training Board 

Comprehensive Training and Mentorship

Training is at the heart of what we do at AKN Engineering Ltd. We offer a structured and supportive training programme where each new graduate is paired with a senior engineer. This hands-on mentorship ensures they get the practical knowledge needed to develop into skilled, confident professionals.

Our staff receive comprehensive training across various services, such as setting out, machine control, volume analysis, and topographical surveys. By learning directly from senior engineers with years of experience, our graduates quickly gain the knowledge and insight to handle real-world challenges.

The benefit to our clients? They receive additional support at a lower cost, as the graduates work under the supervision of senior staff. For more about graduate training programmes and their value in the industry, visit the Institute of Civil Engineers

The Benefits of PAYE Employment

All of our staff are on a PAYE (Pay As You Earn) basis. This means they benefit from full employee rights, including sick pay, holiday pay, and other entitlements. This is not only beneficial for our employees but also provides stability and continuity for our clients. For more information on PAYE employment benefits, you can visit Gov.uk Employment Rights.

Our PAYE staff are committed, motivated, and have the security that allows them to focus on delivering the best results for every project. For our clients, this translates to having a consistent, reliable workforce. Unlike subcontractors or temporary staff, our PAYE employees are invested in the long-term success of the company, and this dedication shows in the quality of the work they deliver.

Developing Talent from Within

One of the challenges in our industry is finding skilled, high-quality staff. Rather than relying solely on external recruitment, we believe in developing talent from within. Training our own staff allows us to shape engineers who meet our standards, are familiar with our processes, and are loyal to the company.

By nurturing talent in-house, we maintain a consistent level of expertise and service. It also ensures that, as our team grows, we are continually improving the skill level across the board. This focus on internal development means we can provide our clients with a team that understands their needs, is committed to delivering excellence, and is constantly learning.

 The Benefits for Our Clients

So, how does this approach benefit our clients?

1. Cost-Effective Support: By incorporating graduates into our teams, we can offer clients additional hands-on support at a lower cost while maintaining quality through senior supervision.

2. A Reliable Workforce: All our staff are full-time PAYE employees, meaning clients benefit from a dedicated, motivated team. There's no reliance on temporary workers, which ensures continuity on long-term projects.

3. Tailored Expertise: By training from within, we ensure that our team is aligned with the specific needs of each client. Our graduates are trained to meet our high standards, and this level of quality is passed on to our clients.

4. Commitment to Social Value: For clients who prioritise social value in their projects, working with us means you’re also contributing to the community by supporting the development of local graduates and investing in the future of the construction industry. Learn more about social value in construction at Social Value UK.

At AKN Engineering, we’re proud to invest in the training and development of our staff. By taking on graduates, providing structured training, and employing a PAYE workforce, we ensure that our clients receive high-quality service from a skilled and motivated team

Our commitment to developing talent from within benefits not just our company, but also the community and our clients, making it a win-win for everyone involved.

If you'd like to learn more about how our team can support your next  highways project, get in touch with us here.

We’re here to support your projects with our expertise and dedication to quality