A global expert in soil mechanics, geotechnical analysis and soil testing with more than 40 years experience, Prof Atkinson, Senior Principal with Coffey Geotechnics in the United Kingdom, has spent the first part of 2009 undertaking high level master-classes and workshops for Coffey Geotechnics and Coffey Information employees around the world.
Currently in Australia as part of his educational world tour, Prof Atkinson said that given the diverse backgrounds of geotechnical engineers, engineering geologists and geotechnical laboratory technicians, advanced training is crucial to ensure consistent high quality standards across the company.
“Geotechnical engineers have often forgotten the very basic principles of soil mechanics that they were taught at university. Engineering geologists may have a degree in geology with little engineering theory. Laboratory technical staff may have been drawn from backgrounds with little or no geological or geotechnical training. The challenge is to get these groups communicating with one another to arrive at high quality solutions to common geotechnical engineering problems.”
Prof Atkinson said that whether a company employs experienced analysts, graduates or people new to the industry, investment in training and development is critical to ensuring the company operates to its peak capability and efficiency.
“It is vital that a client is able to rely on the integrity of results from a testing laboratory,” he said. “Many of the soil strength and stiffness tests that laboratory technicians undertake are very complex. If the tests are done correctly then it follows that the quality of results will be there and clients will get value for every dollar they spend.”
Well trained staff save clients’ time and money
According to Coffey Information CEO Grant Egerdie, prioritising staff training can be hard in a tough economic environment, but is absolutely vital to ensuring long term success.
“Well trained and efficient staff will set a business apart from its competitors irrespective of the economic climate, and ultimately will reduce the overall cost of a project.
“In addition, our commitment to international best practice ensures that clients receive high quality results when they need them, also contributing to a project’s bottom line.”
Mr Egerdie also emphasised that fast analysis and turnaround time, the result of a well trained technician, can lead to dramatic increases in construction productivity.
“Efficient laboratories mean that decisions can be made faster and more accurately, reducing delays in construction and ensuring budget and project deadlines are met.”
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For more information, please contact Brigitte Claney at Mendleson Communication on
+ 61 3 9827 0422 or brigitte@mendleson.com.au.
