'At Afcons, there's something to learn for everyone'
By Chandrika Sen
“Every Afconian is an asset, and we ensure they are shown the right direction as soon as they join us,” says Ms C Krishnakumari, Joint General Manager, Technical Training at Afcons. She has been the driving force behind Afcons’ unique Graduate Trainee Engineer (GTE) development programme, Climb Up.
The idea behind the programme is to ‘attract the right talent, develop and retain them’. “The GTE programme forms the core of our vision of a knowledgeable organisation. The intention is to find young talent and train them to be the right people to do our jobs. This programme is designed to bridge the gap between academics and work life,” says Ms Krishnakumari.
Afcons is one of the few infrastructure companies in India to have a 36-week training programme for GTEs. The trainees are assigned to projects in four business units: Marine, Tunnelling, Roadways and Metro. Once assigned to a project, they are rotated across four departments: Planning, Execution, Quality Control, and, Contracts, Costing and Billing.
The hands-on programme, driven by Ms Krishnakumari, has been conceptualised in-house. “We have designed the whole programme in a systematic manner. It is a blend of practical knowledge as well as course work that requires the trainees to do some reading and deliberation. Professional world can be overwhelming for the youngsters, and so every project site has mentors to help the GTEs. Before the start of the programme, we have initiation courses for the mentors as well.”
When asked about a moment of pride in recent years, Ms Krishnakumari says it had to be the time when the first batch of 36 GTEs was placed in departments of their choice. “Throughout the programme, the trainees are given a chance to express themselves – their learnings, experiences, department of choice. If a GTE shows promise in one department which is not his/her choice, they are counselled. One-on-one counselling sessions are held for their holistic development so that they emerge as strong professionals with clear thoughts and direction. It’s a matter of pride for all of us, when the home boys find their footing in the organisation,” she adds.
Learning and development is an ongoing process at Afcons. “There is something to learn for everyone here. Our e-learning modules have been well received right from the time they were introduced. The latest e-learning campaign has seen 677 entries already! We hold workshops at sites and HO regularly on several topics. Such initiatives encourage interaction among colleagues, and has built a culture of friendship and collaboration at Afcons,” says Ms Krishnakumari.
What drives Ms Krishnakumari to walk on the path of knowledge? “Learning and teaching has been a passion since my student days. And like they say, old habits die hard,” she smiles.
TRAINING PROGRAMMES AT AFCONS
E-learning modules covering several topics, including concrete technology, formworks, lean construction, among others, for employees at all levels.
Classroom-based programs and workshops at offices and sites.
Workshops on overall development.
Campaigns on learning programmes – e-learning campaign, KNOW-vember to DISS-ember Tech Tonic for daily and monthly learning
Marvel Series where one movie on engineering marvels is screened every month followed by discussions.
Expert Series inviting external faculty for lectures at offices and sites.
Oil Edge, monthly quiz focussed on Oil & Gas.
Domain Expert Programme
Specialised programmes Climb Up (for GTEs), Shikhar (for top management) and Udaan (for middle manageme)
