At Fehr & Peers, we make sure every employee, regardless of position, is afforded ample training for career advancement. Like most firms, we support employee participation in training programs outside of the company. Unlike many firms, we also have our own internal training program – Fehr & Peers Academy.
Fehr & Peers Academy offers training for engineers and planners in a wide variety of topics from technical skills and software, to project management and design. Our program is not limited to engineers and planners; all employees can benefit from classes such as conflict management, presentation skills, writing, etc.
Classes are offered in various offices and taught by either a staff expert or an outside consultant. Employees sometimes need to attend classes in other offices, and Fehr & Peers assumes the cost of travel, meals, and class materials.
We offer user-based training opportunities in which local office leaders collaborate with each employee to provide instruction tailored to what you need and where you need it.
we offer the Leadership Development Forum program to provide opportunities for representatives from each office to collaborate on current issues affecting the company as a whole. Examples of these forums have included: suggestions for revamping the Fehr & Peers Wiki, Maintaining a Work-Life Balance, Transit Planning, Green Initiatives, and more.
Fehr & Peers started a formal mentoring program, which pairs individuals for a year of intensive mentoring. Those employees interested in being mentored are required to submit an application for the program. Mentors, who are typically senior-level staff, agree to provide the time and effort necessary to make the relationship a success.
Tech sessions are an important aspect of collaboration and career development at Fehr & Peers. Webinars, local office lunchtime technical trainings, and informal conversations with mentors are all examples of tech sessions we offer.
Following each class, employees are encouraged to give anonymous feedback about the class and instructor. Here’s what some employees had to say:
“Depth of the course was impressive. Presentation was well-organized. Topic was very interesting. This is among the best training sessions that I have attended.”
— Feedback from Road Pricing / Cost – Benefit Analysis class
“Incredibly motivating training session. Both [presenters were] very great communicators and passionate about the company and subject. Both have taken risks and been successful.”
— Feedback from Leadership class
“Wish I would have taken this course earlier in my career. I can definitely see some pit falls/traps that I have fallen into that I will now go back to the office and change! Conflict resolution examples were great!”
— Feedback from Project Management class
