H2M architects + engineers proudly announces the commencement of its 2013 Project Management Training Program participants. This year’s class, consisting of 17 architects, water and wastewater engineers, civil engineers, and environmental scientists, joins the ranks of over 100 program graduates in the last five years.
In a business climate that is increasingly dominated by outsourcing and external training options, H2M continues to focus its training efforts in-house. Management saw the need for a comprehensive program to help prepare technical staff members to take on the responsibilities required of a project manager. Thus the firm’s Project Management Training Program was born. Developed by H2M’s Chief Operating Officer, Gary Loesch, the 23-session course is designed to equip new managers with the skills they need to succeed.
“The course material is constantly updated and tweaked to allow our managers to adapt with the times,” said Loesch. “Project managers are key to the long-term success of our firm, so it’s imperative that our technical staff learn the skills necessary to perform well on projects and continuously strive to exceed client expectations. Satisfied clients help our firm grow; dissatisfied clients help our competition.”
The course curriculum covers everything from project budgeting and scheduling to sub-consultant management to contracts and insurance. Each session consists of a 90-minute interactive lesson that combines lecture, discussion, case studies and sample problems. Students work individually, together in small groups, and as a class to complete work assignments. The capstone of the program is a comprehensive 3-hour exam that covers all of the material in the program.
Best of all, the content is customized to how the firm handles project management, from initial planning to closeout.
“I’m a numbers person, so I enjoyed learning about all the metrics that go into determining profitability and project performance,” said Tim McGuire, a Project Engineer with H2M Water. “I also enjoyed the section on project planning. Going forward, I’ll be able to apply the material we’ve covered to strengthen my project planning and monitoring skills.”
“It was challenging to start thinking like a manager and take myself out of the production and staff level role,” said Staff Architect Patrick Stone. “It’s an exciting challenge to take on. I now have a much better understanding of how the firm works and the best way to manage jobs and staff.”
Congratulations to all of this year’s graduates: Andrew Manfredi, Charlie Starke, Dustin Rigos, Ed Stattel, Eli Bujari, Francesco Borgese, Hardik Parekh, Ivana Nitzova, Joe Todaro, Natalie Kovac, Jamie Pizzardi, Pat Stone, Sean Callahan, Sergio Giusto, Tim McGuire, Tim Graves, and Veronica Bickmeyer.
