Bedfordshire-based Kier Group celebrated success at the National Training Awards last week, taking two of the six awards up for grabs. The Sandy construction, development and services group won the large employer category beating such competition as sup

Bedfordshire-based Kier Group celebrated success at the National Training Awards last week, taking two of the six awards up for grabs.

The Sandy construction, development and services group won the large employer category beating such competition as supermarkets Morrison and Waitrose, the DVLA and other major household names. Also scooping an award was Kier Sheffield, part of Kier's Support Services division, which won the partnership and collaboration category.

The National Training Awards are the most prestigious training awards in the UK, celebrating organisations and individuals that achieve outstanding business and personal success through investment in training.

Former British hurdles champion and sports commentator Colin Jackson presented the trophies at a gala ceremony at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London. The six Winners of the Year were selected from 50 winners previously announced at regional ceremonies across the UK.

Having won the large employer category at the East of England heat in September, Kier took the overall award for its investment in training to grow its own talent through its Executive Leadership Programme, which saw more staff appointed to director positions and staff turnover drop.

Kier Sheffield, with Sheffield Homes and CTS Training, collected the partnership and collaboration category for its City Stewardship programme, which provides employment opportunities to disadvantaged teenagers and gives them a chance to learn new skills.

Commenting on Kier's success in the large employer category, the judges said: "Your training was considered by our team of regional and UK judges to be the most exemplary and inspirational example across the whole of the UK in this category. We were particularly impressed with the significant contribution that this programme is making along with the strong elements of training best practice and further development potential for the future."

Kier Group chief executive John Dodds added: "The National Training Awards recognise and celebrate training that transforms organisations and individuals and the fact that Kier picked up two awards is testimony to our commitment to developing our people. I would like to congratulate all concerned in this fantastic achievement.