CPD for construction: Understanding best practices in project controls
“Understanding best practices is essential not only for those entering the world of project controls but also for experienced professionals, as the field is constantly evolving.”
Blueprint Academy graduate Lewis McQueer has experienced first-hand the benefits of our Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) approved project controls training courses.
The now-junior consultant, who graduated from our project controls graduate scheme last year, was invited by the ECITB to speak about his experiences as part of its feature in the January edition of Manufacturing and Engineering Magazine.
Project Controls as a Career
Placed amongst experienced professionals, from estimators to consultants, Lewis commented on the benefits of formalised project controls best practices training, and the importance of constantly looking to upskill.
After seeing his clear passion and dedication to the industry, it may come as a surprise that the 22-year-old Cardiff graduate was initially exploring a career in law, and only by chance encounter with the Blueprint team did he end up on his current career path.
Whilst working in hospitality, Lewis got talking to members of the Blueprint team. After leaving a lasting impression, he was invited to take on a two-week project controls internship which then turned into an offer for a 12-month graduate position, where he completed training modules and gained on-site experiences on major UK projects.
Read more: What’s it like to be a project controls graduate on Blueprint’s graduate programme?
When interviewed by the ECITB on his route into the industry, Lewis said: “I wasn’t aware of what project controls was while I was in school, but I’m really glad I discovered it. He added: I’ve always enjoyed working with people, but I wasn’t sure which career would be best for me. Project controls provides exposure to a diverse range of individuals at all levels, working alongside remarkable professionals in project delivery environments.
“It’s an incredibly exciting field full of opportunities, which is why I’m so passionate about it.
I enjoy the variety it offers, getting involved in and gaining exposure to different parts of projects, rather than pigeonholing myself into a single area. It’s fascinating to see how all the pieces come together.
Benefits of CPD
Lewis completed the full suite of the project controls training modules, covering areas such as planning, risk, cost, estimating, change control, and commercial management. As part of his continued professional development (CPD), he actively consolidates this with a range of professional qualifications.
Read more: Lewis’s full interview with the ECITB
“It’s crucial to continually upskill, especially at my level, to gain a solid understanding of project controls best practices across the entire project controls suite and stay informed about everything happening across different disciplines.
“Understanding best practices is essential not only for those entering the world of project controls but also for experienced professionals, as the field is constantly evolving.
Find a course for you
The Blueprint Academy’s suite of project controls training courses are designed by industry experts against ECITB training standards. The team of expert, accredited trainers have decades of hands-on project controls experience, actively working on major infrastructure, energy, and defence projects, whilst delivering in-person sessions within the academy.
To find out more about Blueprint’s training courses and graduate scheme, please feel free to get in touch with the team or learn more via our dedicated Academy hub.
Applications for our 2025 graduate scheme are now open and can be submitted here.