In the world of construction, where every project presents unique challenges, having a well-trained workforce is not just an advantage, it’s a necessity. As Ardmac’s Technical Training Manager, with a keen focus on fostering professional development, Patrick Matthews is dedicated to ensuring that Ardmac’s employees reach their full potential.
“Within my role as Technical Training Manager, I am responsible for developing and delivering training solutions that support both employee onboarding and ongoing professional development,” Patrick explains.
This pivotal role involves a comprehensive approach to training, with responsibilities that span the entire organisation. From designing training programs to maintaining accurate training records, Patrick’s work is foundational in preparing teams for the challenges they will face on site.
A roadmap to training success
One of his key contributions has been the establishment of a learning and development roadmap.
“By fostering a strong learning culture, the roadmap encourages continuous professional development and supports employees in reaching their full potential,” he emphasises.
This commitment to employee development is a core value at Ardmac, underlining the belief that investing in people is a vital driver of organisational growth.
That belief is strongly backed by data. Research by LinkedIn found that 94% of employees would stay at a company longer if it invested in their career development. Furthermore, the National Center on the Educational Quality of the Workforce found that a 10% increase in workforce education can lead to an 8.6% increase in productivity. Clearly, building strong learning frameworks doesn’t just benefit the individual — it drives tangible business outcomes.
Diversity in learning styles is key
In his quest to enhance training methodologies, Patrick places significant emphasis on diversity in learning styles.
“It’s never a one size fits all approach,” he notes, advocating for tailored training that addresses a combination of technical skills, process knowledge, and soft skills. Key competencies like compliance and safety standards, communication, and problem-solving are critical to ensure employees are well-equipped for their roles.
Patrick also places high value on the importance of feedback in identifying training needs.
“To determine which areas require the most attention, we conduct a comprehensive training needs analysis,” he shares.
By considering performance evaluations, employee surveys, and input from leadership, Patrick is able to create targeted training programs that align with Ardmac’s strategic goals.
The value of this effort is evident in broader industry findings. A report from the Association for Talent Development (ATD) suggests that companies offering high-quality training programs see a 24% higher profit margin compared to those that invest less in employee development. At the same time, a PwC survey revealed that 74% of employees feel they aren’t achieving their full potential, and 76% desire more training and development opportunities.
One of the standout initiatives under Patrick’s leadership is Ardmac’s Building Better Leaders Programme, run in collaboration with Trinity Business School. This bespoke leadership course was designed to identify and nurture high-potential employees, providing them with essential management and leadership skills.
“This has allowed attendees to move into both Director and Associate Director positions across key areas of our business”.
Patrick’s approach to training extends to how he keeps up with industry trends. He actively collaborates with subject matter experts and professional bodies to integrate the latest knowledge into training modules.
“Through partnerships, we can attract new talent and ensure our training reflects current best practices,” Patrick states, highlighting Ardmac’s commitment to maintaining a forward-thinking ethos in the construction industry.
The value of eLearning
However, delivering training in a fast-paced construction environment is not without its challenges. As Patrick reveals, “The main challenges are managing time and training reach,” particularly with teams often dispersed across multiple sites. To combat this, Ardmac has embraced eLearning as a flexible solution, providing employees with on-demand access to training materials.
“This scalability and convenience make eLearning an effective tool for improving training accessibility and efficiency,” he explains.
The proof of the impact of Ardmac’s training initiatives can be seen in its success stories. For example, the Emerging Leaders Program has empowered over 40 employees to step into management positions, significantly enhancing their skill sets.
Patrick notes, “Through our mentoring program, we foster a culture of continuous learning and collaboration, enhancing our engagement and retention.”
Businesses that prioritise training are better positioned to adapt to market changes and foster innovation. As reported by McKinsey, organisations focused on employee development are 2.5 times more likely to be innovative than those that do not.
Looking towards the future, Patrick envisions a continuously evolving landscape for technical training at Ardmac.
“The construction industry is ever-changing, and the needs of our teams are continuously evolving,” he remarks.
With plans to incorporate even more digital tools, sustainability practices, and soft skills into training programs, Ardmac is poised to remain at the forefront of industry innovation.
As Patrick Matthews leads the charge in Ardmac’s training initiatives, one thing remains clear: Investing in people is not just a commitment; it’s a shared journey toward achieving excellence in the construction industry.
About Patrick Matthews MLDI (Assoc CIPD)
Patrick Matthews is Ardmac’s Technical Training Manager, bringing expertise in learning and development coupled with human resources accreditation (MLDI, Associate CIPD). Based in Swords, County Dublin, he designs and delivers engaging training programs that empower teams across Ardmac to elevate technical skills and performance. Patrick holds a degree from University College Cork and leverages his strong foundation in adult learning principles to support the company’s commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.
About Ardmac
Ardmac is an international specialist in turnkey delivery of controlled environments, serving the Life Sciences, Data Centres, Microelectronics, EV Battery Facilities, Aerospace, Commercial and Industrial sectors. With almost 50 years of experience, we’ve evolved into a leading European provider of cleanrooms, data‑centre systems, modular off‑site facilities, fit‑outs, refurbishments, and manufacturing facility construction.
We deploy the latest digital construction technologies to deliver high-value workspaces and precision-built environments tailored to client needs. Our reputation is founded on deep sector expertise, uncompromising safety, and highly effective collaboration.
Ardmac stands as the contractor of choice for complex, mission-critical projects, delivering excellence as standard.
