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Case Studies

Building Project Management Skills for Early-Career Employees

In 2022, DXC Technology embarked on a journey to enhance the capabilities of its workforce through tailored project management training.

Their partnership with 20/20 began with a bespoke training programme aligned to the Association for Project Management (APM), targeting a group from DXC’s Applications Division.

The initial feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, prompting DXC to expand their collaboration with 20/20. As word spread about the effectiveness of the training, interest grew further across different divisions of the organisation.

A pivotal moment occurred when key stakeholders at DXC recognised the importance of equipping early-career employees with the necessary skills to contribute meaningfully to projects from the outset of their careers. This led to a collaborative effort between 20/20, the Project Delivery team, and the Early Careers division to design a comprehensive programme tailored specifically for this purpose.

‘By equipping them with the latest methodologies in project management and IT service delivery, we aim to streamline processes, improve communication, and ensure alignment with industry best practices. Ultimately, investing in Project Management and ITIL training empowers our academic workforce to deliver excellence consistently, driving sustainable growth and competitive advantage in today's dynamic business landscape,’ stated Sharon McCabe, UKI Academics Lead at DXC Technology.

The programme was structured into two distinct phases, aimed at cultivating practical skills for immediate application and establishing industry-wide competency.

Phase 1: Building Practical Skills for Immediate Impact

The first phase of the programme aimed to provide early-career employees with practical tools, terminology, and processes that could be immediately applied in their daily roles. It consisted of five bespoke 1-day workshops covering essential topics such as Planning and Scheduling, Risk and Issue Management, Report Writing, Commercial Awareness, and Soft Skills including stakeholder management, conflict resolution, and general communication skills.

Phase 2: Establishing Industry-wide Competency

The second phase focused on equipping participants with industry-wide terminology and accreditation, enabling them to engage confidently with external stakeholders and build trust. This section included accredited programmes through the Association for Project Management (APM) and PeopleCert, culminating in two exams per delegate. Impressively, the group achieved a success rate of over 91%, demonstrating their proficiency in project management principles.

Luca Loughery, an early-careers employee, and delegate on the programme, expressed his satisfaction, ‘Since joining DXC I had very little experience in Project management... The APM course was exactly what I needed to give me the basis of understanding. It covered all the topics and was taught very well by the two instructors we had. I was highly confident going into the exam knowing I would pass as all topics were covered thoroughly and I understood the format of the exam. The course provided me with the skills and confidence to apply this to my current live projects. I have been on many courses, but this was genuinely the one that stood out the most to me. For anyone thinking about doing this course, I could not advise anyone enough to do so as it is extremely beneficial and important!’

Throughout both phases, the training was conducted in a classroom setting, facilitating interactive learning experiences and team activities. Participants had the opportunity to engage with experienced trainers, who provided real-world insights and guidance based on their extensive project delivery experience. Moreover, the training sessions fostered a sense of camaraderie among participants, enabling them to build networks and establish strong relationships with their colleagues at DXC.

Danielle Dixon-Cave, another early-careers employee at DXC Technology, reinforced the positive impact of the programme, ‘The training helped me to develop my knowledge in Project Management, especially as a newbie to the job. It provided me with a thorough and solid understanding of Project Management in areas including finance, leadership, and risk management, again which were new to me. Thanks to 20/20 I have achieved my APM PMQ qualification and gone on to achieve my ITIL qualification.’

The partnership between DXC Technology and 20/20 has delivered tangible results, empowering early-career employees with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their roles. Participants emerged from the programme equipped with practical tools, industry accreditation, and the confidence to contribute effectively to project teams from day one.

Results & Impact

Sharon McCabe, UKI Academics Lead at DXC Technology, commented on the success of the partnership, ‘The quality of the training provided exceeded my expectations. What truly sets 20/20 apart is their dedication to customer and client care. They truly value their clients and prioritise building long-term relationships based on trust and mutual respect… my experience with 20/20 was nothing short of outstanding. Tom, 20/20’s CEO, combines expertise, quality and exceptional customer service in a way that sets him apart from competitors. So much so that we have been deterred from looking at other training providers. I wholeheartedly recommend 20/20 to anyone seeking top-notch service and results.’

By investing in the development of their workforce, DXC Technology demonstrated a commitment to nurturing talent and driving organisational success. The collaborative approach between DXC and 20/20 exemplifies how strategic partnerships and targeted training initiatives can yield transformative results in building a skilled and empowered workforce.

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20/20 truly value their clients and prioritise building long-term relationships based on trust and mutual respect...my experience with 20/20 was nothing short of outstanding.

Sharon McCabe

UKI Academics Lead at DXC Technology

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