Project Management Training Case Study:

Metronet Rail

Metronet Rail, a consortium of five world-class companies, is responsible for upgrading, replacing and maintaining two-thirds of London Underground's infrastructure - its trains, stations, signalling, track, tunnels and bridges. Under a 30-year Public Private Partnership (PPP) contract which came into operation in April 2003, the regeneration of London's tube is one of the world's biggest Infrastructure projects and the largest-ever metro regeneration scheme. Working in partnership with London Underground, Metronet Rail is responsible for delivering £17 billion of investment during the next 30 years across two-thirds of the network. Some £7 billion of this is being spent over the next 7 years alone - on new trains, track, signalling, refurbished and modernised stations.

PMProfessional Learning (PMPL) has been working with Metronet Rail to provide first class training and consultancy in project management for several years. Over 200 Metronet Rail employees have attended the following PMPL courses:

• APM Introductory Certificate in Project Management
• Complete Project Management Course (APMP)
• APM Risk Level 1
• APM Risk Level 2

Benefits of the programme for Metronet Rail have included:

• Increased professionalism in project management staff
• Improved clarity of project status
• Stronger commercial awareness in project teams
• An ability to understand and manage risk
• Rail focussed training from a company with a specific Rail Division
• Increased certification of Metronet Rail employees

“Metronet Rail has a challenging programme of work as part of the London Underground Public Private Partnership and we believe that developing a strong in-house project management capability will be essential to the successful delivery of this programme” explains Paul Naybour, Director at PMProfessional Learning. “We are delighted to be working with Metronet Rail to support the development of excellence in project management within the
rail industry”, adds Paul.

Working towards 2012 - Investment in staffkey to Metronet Rail's Olympics work

Speaking in London on 10 February 2006, Olympic silver medallist Roger Black said: “Learning and development is key to Metronet Rail delivering improvements on the Tube in time for 2012”. Black, an ambassador for the 2012 London Olympics bid, said: “The transport infrastructure and regeneration of the Tube was absolutely key to us winning the bid. It's a great opportunity for a company like Metronet Rail but it's a lot of pressure too. Metronet Rail has to deliver. That is why its commitment to training, learning and development is so important”.

Over 100 people are sponsored each year to achieve professional or technical qualifications to improve their own performance and meet the future needs of the company. Black said “Proper training is vital to excelling in the rail industry, just as much as it is for athletes to meet their future goals”.

Metronet Rail's Chief Executive Andrew Lezala said: “Getting the potential from ourselves is the key to our success. The Olympic Games offer a host of opportunities to Metronet. With the wealth of talent we have in this company we can help make them a success”.

Commitment to London Underground

PMProfessional Learning has committed support to the total rejuvenation of London's metro and to assist in the continuous improvement of the capability to manage projects successfully. PMProfessional Learning recognises that effective development and support will help to retain the talent already embedded in Metronet Rail. Nurturing and growth of this talent is essential.