Dr Stuart Kings sees spike in NEC training thanks to online facilitation

Our very own Dr Stuart Kings has seen a sharp rise in the number of project managers, contractors and stakeholders opting to carry out training in NEC contracts thanks to online training courses. 

With support from our friends at NEC, we were able to launch the first round of this training back in May. The training was open to all of our ecosystem partners and is a great way to ensure our partners know how to best use and understand the NEC suite of contracts.

As we have had to do in all walks of life, the training was quickly converted into an online format and a huge response has seen all online training fully booked and future courses all reaching maximum numbers already.

Dr Stuart Kings, technical director and in-house NEC expert at Pagabo, said: 'It’s been really important to ensure that training can still be maintained during a time when organisations need NEC guidance the most, and we’re thrilled to report that the response to these online courses has been phenomenal.

'People want the accreditation – and the online format has made the courses far more accessible at a time when individuals and organisations alike have adapted quickly to technology.

'With the NEC, there are multiple contracts – a bit like a ‘box set’ of all contracts which includes consultancy, sub-contractors, major works and design, and build and operate. NEC covers every procurement exercise under the sub and embodies the principles of good project management – which is why it is now the dominant contract in the construction industry.'

Supporting our ecosystem

Stuart reports that many organisations are currently wanting to gain a deeper understanding of how NEC contractors works, and to ensure that they are up to speed with the way it can be of benefit to them in terms of project management.

As well as giving training to our contractors, supply chain and clients, Stuart has also been giving advice to organisations such as Pick Everard.

Stuart continued: 'While the NEC contract covers major projects such as Hinckley Point C, CrossRail and HS2, it is also suitable for smaller projects too. The training courses have taken people through the contract in close detail, from start to end. They have provided a checklist of actions taking you from day one of the project, right through to completion.'

View our ECC checklists 

Dr Kings has also created a checklist for Project Managers to ensure they are taking all the necessary steps when undertaking a project under an NEC contract. Click below to view these checklists:

ECC3 checklist

ECC4 checklist

Simon Toplass, chief executive at Pagabo, said: 'The NEC contract itself has been around since 1991, and when it launched it was seen as radically rewriting the rulebook. Instead of focusing purely on contractual procedures, the contract became more about project management principles and modern practice.

'NEC is now so central to procurement particularly within the construction industry, so it’s really crucial for framework providers like us to offer real expertise in order to advise clients and suppliers and give the best possible support. We’re thrilled to have an in-house expert in Stuart and to be able to offer this expertise and training to others in the sector.'

New platform, same great training

It's great to see NEC training continuing to be delievered even in the most challenging of circustances. We have all had to quickly adopt technology and change the way we work and deliever services. We are so pleased to see people continuing to upskill themselves and gain this vital qualification.