How RLB is spearheading digital upskilling

Consultancy RLB intends to position itself as a trailblazer of digital literacy in construction through a newly launched data and artificial intelligence “transformation academy”.

The initiative aims to address the industry’s urgent need for digital upskilling and better data literacy, as well as bridging the gap between traditional construction practices and advanced technologies.

RLB’s Data and AI Transformation Academy was born from both necessity and a proactive approach to change things in the built environment, explains Matt Sharp, RLB’s chief digital officer.

“We recognised that the industry is changing quite quickly,” Sharp says. “The construction lifecycle needs to be more data-aware from [both] efficiency and auditability perspectives.”

Industry developments such as the Building Safety Act, the ‘golden thread’ and modern methods of construction require solid digital and data management skills.

Sharp adds: “We want to be seen as leaders in understanding construction data, and we think there will be an opportunity for new data products within the industry.”

The academy has been developed in partnership with Multiverse, an external provider specialising in AI, data and digital skills that’s worked with companies such as tech giant Microsoft, Citibank and online food delivery platform Just Eat.

RLB pays for the Multiverse courses using the CITB apprenticeship levy, a 0.5% compulsory contribution by employers with payroll costs of more than £3m.

“You can draw down on the levy to pay for the educational courses that Multiverse provides.

"And it’s not just for apprentices; it can be used for the upskilling of qualifying individuals within your business,” Sharp tells CIOB People.

“The apprenticeship levy, which we’re already contributing to as a business, can pay for the educational delivery,” he continues, adding that RLB also invests heavily in apprenticeships that are from the academy.

“Obviously, we have to invest time in the individuals to go through those courses. But Multiverse is paid for as a drawdown of our apprenticeship levy, so it’s a really efficient and clever way for us to finance that educational delivery of digital upskilling.”

The 12-month programmes in the Data and AI Transformation Academy have been designed to match RLB’s specific needs.

Multiverse is responsible for the academy’s delivery, including running the courses and producing the learning materials.

It is delivered online through the tech firm’s learning platform to provide flexibility to workers based in different locations across the UK.

Those who complete the programmes earn a nationally recognised certification, which validates their skills and expertise in data and digital disciplines.

When RLB publicised the academy across the company before its launch, it received a positive response from “enthusiasts” interested in completing the courses – some were volunteers and others were nominated.

“They had to be supported by their line managers once they volunteered,” Sharp explains.

“Those who go on the course through nomination are recommended by their line managers as ‘data enthusiasts’. However, we explain the course first to see if they want to do it – we don’t just force them!”

Job roles of RLB’s workers taking the courses include cost managers, project managers, building surveyors and others across the company’s service line.

Sharp explains that the courses are aimed at staff who have completed their professional qualifications, so they are not busy studying something else.

He adds: “We targeted the mid-tier who have become qualified in their technical discipline and are looking for further development for their benefit, our benefit, and our clients’ benefit.”

The RLB academy’s current three core courses are a level 4 ‘data fellowship’ apprenticeship programme, an AI for business value programme, and a business transformation fellowship.

Sharp says that what makes the academy stand out is its emphasis on practical elements. The programmes begin with intensive learning and transition into real-world applications.

Participants are encouraged to integrate their skills into client-facing projects to improve their quality, efficiency and outcomes.

“The courses are structured so they are high on learning at the start, and transition into application over 12 months,” Sharp explains.

The first cohort, which started four months ago, included 15 RLB employees. Sharp hopes this number will increase to 20 in the next intake.

The data fellowship teaches foundational data analysis skills, including Excel, SQL and data visualisation with tools such as Power BI.

Its goal is to empower learners to leverage data for effective decision-making and actionable insights.

“The nature of our business can be quite analytical and data-driven anyway and our people are already data-savvy,” says Sharp. “For this fellowship, we found data enthusiasts who we are upskilling with higher data skills – how do you analyse and store data, what tools can you use?”

The AI for business value course teaches the practical applications of AI in business contexts.

Participants are equipped with an understanding of AI tools and frameworks, allowing them to identify AI-driven opportunities and align these solutions with RLB’s strategic goals.

Sharp says: “We are identifying people to go into this course to harness AI tools and take the next step in our transformation. [The aim is to] bring AI solutions to how we run our business and the quality of outcome that we can deliver to our clients.”

Those undertaking the business transformation fellowship focus on change management and digital transformation strategies.

The course equips participants to drive innovation, streamline processes and implement transformative initiatives effectively.

“This course is around how we identify opportunities for digitalisation of our working processes,” explains Sharp. “[It is suitable for] technical specialists in the traditional disciplines with a digital enthusiasm to drive transformative digital change across our business.”

The feedback on the courses has been very positive so far, Sharp says. RLB now aims to have a new cohort every six months and increase the number of courses.

“We’ve been very impressed by the quality of education provided through Multiverse and we are looking at an expansion of the catalogue of courses they provide.”

Looking ahead, RLB plans to take the Academy further, with programmes addressing emerging industry challenges.

The aim is to further empower employees with cutting-edge digital and data capabilities while “pollinating” the broader company with these skills.

The academy will grow hand in hand as the business expands, ensuring its workforce has the best data skills and positions RLB at the digital forefront in the built environment, Sharp says.

He concludes: “Our business has grown from 600 to more than 1,400 people in the UK. We see digital and data capability as an underpinning foundation that our colleagues will need to take RLB forward. This is a real strategic investment.”