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22 | 28TH JUNE - 4TH JULY 2019 | UTILITY WEEK Operations & Assets Utility Week Awards winner case study A ttracting and retaining the best people is a key priority for the Western Gas Alliance (WGA), and in an e ort to meet these priorities it has developed a structured develop- ment pathway to showcase the oppor- tunities on o er and make the alliance more attractive to potential employees and retain existing talent. The WGA is currently carrying out a major programme of gas mains replacement and associated works across Wales and the southwest of England. These projects involve the feasibility, design, programme man- agement, and delivery of 2,000km of mains and 40,000 customer gas con- nections, with the total number of sta around 600 people. The Gas Network Site Manager (GNSM) programme seeks to enable the trainees of today to become the experienced managers of tomorrow. The goals for the GNSM programme were fourfold: attracting new entrants to the alliance with a structured learn- ing programme; retaining skilled labour with ‡ exible quali‰ cations and attractive career progression; ensur- ing people can progress according to knowledge and experience, and link- ing promotions and pay rises to spe- ci‰ c training modules; and developing a pool of talent equipped to become the future management. The GNSM was designed and intro- duced in response to the growing issue of an ageing workforce in the WGA, with the programme extending to all employees. It provides structured training and development, enabling those at the WGA to achieve neces- sary quali‰ cations and experience, better prepare themselves for future challenges, and grow into future managerial‹roles. A level playing fi eld in staff training The Western Gas Alliance won the 2018 Staff Development Award with an industry- fi rst training initiative. Greg Jones explains what so impressed the judges Staff Development Award Award winner: The Western Gas Alliance (Wales & West Utilities and Morrison Utility Services) Entry criteria: 1. Quality of entry (clear, evidence based) 2. Clear goals set for the project that were met or exceeded 3. Evidence of ongoing investment in sta development 4. Measurable bene‰ ts for the business 5. Evidence of going beyond business as usual The Utility Week Awards are held in association with Capgemini, CGI and Microso•