SDC Builders

                                                         

SDC is a company at the heart of Bedford’s community, well known as a successful local employer in the construction industry and for its involvement and sponsorship of Bedford Rugby Club.

This privately owned group was established in 1972 and operates as a Regional Construction Organisation based in Bedford, and since 2007 under the umbrella of an Employee Benefit Trust.

The company’s construction expertise and experience is wide-ranging and work embraces all forms of construction activity in both the public and private sector.   It also includes specialist teams dedicated to the delivery of smaller value projects such as affordable housing and mechanical and electrical services.

Employing 320 people, SDC is small enough to provide service to each client and large enough to satisfy their expectations.   With an annual turnover approaching £125M, projects undertaken range in value from £5K to £80M.

Richard Stokes, Manager Process Development, explained:

“SDC believes that protection of the environment is the responsibility of all its employees and supply chain alike, and continues to encourage a culture which promotes this at every opportunity.”

“We take pride in our concern for the environment and that means training our employees in all aspects of work so that they have the knowledge and skills to incorporate sustainability and protection of the environment into their work.”

“We have been actively involved with Bedford College for the last 12 months with the aim of developing a mutually beneficial relationship so that they understand our training needs and can provide training to meet those needs.”

“With a focus on sustainability in the construction industry, we are also keen to work together on government led projects.”

“Our training needs range from apprenticeships to degree level and professional qualifications.  SDC has up to 20 management trainees who study to HNC and full degree level and Bedford College has the opportunity to get involved with that training, in conjunction with higher education colleges and universities.”

“Training our workforce includes in-house training, particularly relating to health and safety and the environment.  We are currently looking to Bedford College to work with us on this and provide a trainer initially, either working with us internally or externally.”

“Our commitment to training is demonstrated by the fact that we devote over 600 man days a year as a company to training.”

“If we can increase the involvement of Bedford College as a principle training provider, that will be of great benefit to us.”

Training undertaken by staff

• Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)
• Mechanical and Electrical training
• Carpentry apprentices

What were your training objectives?

“A professionally qualified workforce at all levels of the organisation, including senior staff trained to degree level and including membership of professional bodies.”

“Construction is a dangerous industry but also has a huge environmental impact and for that reason we spend a lot of time on health and safety training and making staff aware of environmental issues and their responsibilities.”

“Yes but we are still developing our relationship with Bedford College and see many more training opportunities in the future.”

“If we can use Bedford College as a primary source for training then we will have a distinct advantage.”

What has been the impact on your performance?

“Minimal impact to date, as only a small percentage of staff are training with Bedford College.   Our aim is to expand this and then we will be able to assess the impact on performance, which we hope to be considerable.”

Any other comments?

“Bedford College have a very forward looking approach, particularly in the area of sustainability, and are a commercially aware organisation.  My experience in dealing with other academic organisations is that this is not always the case.  Bedford College has a positive and helpful approach and work closely with local companies and the community.”

“As Chair of Bedford College’s employer’s liaison group, I aim to provide a platform for local businesses and the College, looking at business training needs and how they can be met, with sustainability and environmental protection at the core.”