Background:
Phase 1 of the National learning Centre (NLC) project for Volkswagen Group (UK) Limited was to create a new technical training facility utilising existing space within a redundant parts warehouse facility based in Milton Keynes.

The brief was to deliver a facility based on a design vision created by Volkswagen and their design team within a very challenging budget.

Requirement:
In order to manage the project, Volkswagen’s FM team required an experienced project management consultant to deliver all stages of the construction project from procurement to operational handover.

CMI were retained for the role after successfully supporting the development of the business case.

Approach
The project was managed using CMI’s own in house project methodology and toolkit which was tailored to align with Volkswagens internal governance procedures for decision making, approvals and reporting.

The project was divided into discrete stages to allow Volkswagen to maintain overall control over the project budget which was a critical factor in the delivery. The staged approach and project governance arrangements also ensured that the diverse range of VW brand stakeholders were on board with the design and direction at each stage.

Outcomes
The National Learning Centre was opened ready to receive their first trainees on time and was delivered within the available budget. 

The facility also set the benchmark for automotive technical training facilities across the UK and Europe and given the location and quality of the facility, was also utilised for corporate events and product launches.