A/E firm leaders say design and technical training is the most important type of training to provide to employees, according to ZweigWhite’s 2008 Training & Development Survey of Architecture, Engineering, Planning & Environmental Consulting Firms. When asked to rank the importance of eight types of training, firm leaders named design/technical as their top priority, followed closely by CADD or BIM, and project management training.

Survey data show firms dedicate more than a third of their total training expenses (36 percent) to design and technical training—more than any other type of training. Overall, firms spent a median of 0.6 percent of their net service revenue on training last year.

"These numbers reflect the performance profiles we see in the industry," says Christine Brack, an associate with ZweigWhite who specializes in strategic business planning and project management. "Firms that are committed to growth—whether revenue generation or professional development for their teams—consistently invest in technical- or business-oriented training programs. Even as things begin to slow, firms are taking advantage of the breathing room and finally putting real training on the agenda for the summer. In any economy, training is a good and necessary business practice."

In addition to design/technical, CADD/BIM, and project management training, other topics covered in the report include information systems, marketing and business development, human resources, business management, and leadership training.

The 2008 Training & Development Survey of Architecture, Engineering, Planning & Environmental Consulting Firms is available for $445, plus $8 shipping and handling. To order, contact ZweigWhite at info@zweigwhite.com, or order through ZweigWhite’s online store.