Lakesmere builds a quality workforce for the future

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe an award‐winning training program at Scottish building contractor Lakesmere. Design/methodology/approach – The paper explores the reasons for the program, the form it takes and the results it has achieved. Findings – The paper explains that the company constructed its own purpose‐built training center as a base for much of the so‐called Team Lakesmere training, which aims to boost quality practice among the labor force, reduce annual costs resulting from remedial work, improve health and safety and provide the labor force with recognized qualifications and transferable skills. Practical implications – The paper highlights a 50 percent improvement in health and safety and 66 percent fall in reporting of injuries, diseases and dangerous occurrences. Social implications – The paper reveals that the company has kept up its commitment to training despite the recession. Originality/value – The paper describes how, unusually for this type of program, a number of the firm's subcontractors were invited to take part in the training.