Page 9 - W M Donald Newsletter - Edition Thirteen

SUMMER 2022
9
Much of the coverage of training in the newsletter relates to safety and technical site skills such as dumper truck driving and abrasive wheels.
However, over the past four months, eighteen W M Donald candidates have completed their Occupational Work Supervision (OWS) qualifications. A Level 3 Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ), the OWS qualification means that successful candidates can apply for a CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) Gold Card.
The candidates were spread over two groups: 12 from Inverness/Aberdeen and 6 from Dundee/Perth. Each group attended a series
of four half-day workshops each tackling a separate module. Modules included ‘Planning Work’, ‘Project Implementation’, and ‘Resources and Legalities’. To achieve the qualification trainees had to submit evidence from site, including videos.
Glasgow-based Esteem Training delivered the workshops. The Programme Delivery Manager was David Currie:
‘The workshops with W M Donald’s teams in Elgin and Perth were incredibly productive, with positive feedback throughout.
It was great to see a solid mix of ages and genders taking part. The candidates were focused and determined which is really rewarding for us as assessors and candidate support specialists. They consistently met every deadline, having already arrived well versed in the company’s internal processes.
We had lots of great banter. The candidates worked well in groups and were genuinely supportive of one another which makes
for a positive dynamic and a safe learning environment.’
Rachel O’Donnell, W M Donald’s HR Manager was one of the ‘trainees’ that achieved the qualification. She is keen to encourage others to grasp the opportunity should it arise:
‘I appreciate that, for some people, a return to a ‘classroom’ environment is challenging. Esteem is really skilled at providing additional support for candidates with dyslexia, ADHD, migraines and other needs. I would also add that the workshops were relaxed and great fun. A world away from my memories of school.
Many of the candidates had spent several years working on site, and the training provided reinforcement that they were already applying many of the skills and techniques discussed in the workshop.’
Over the coming months a group of Senior Managers will become trainees in their own right as Esteem takes them through the SVQ Level 4 qualification in Construction Site Management.
Congratulations to the following employees:
Rachel O’Donnell, Jake Crichton,
Andrew Ladley, Ross Whitelaw,
Vitalijs Poznaks, Kevin Barclay,
Billy Buchanan, David Hannigan,
Shaun Petrie, Ross Kirkwood,
Matthew Coughlin, Michal Gadomski, Gavin Thom, James Duncan, Andrew Green
Occupational Work Supervision qualification: 100% pass rate for W M Donald candidates