As Wallace Whittle continues to grow, so too does our commitment to developing the people who drive our success.
The Wallace Whittle Academy remains a cornerstone of this approach; it brings together colleagues from across our offices to learn, collaborate and build upon the skills needed to support both their individual careers and the wider business.
Kicking off the 2026 programme, our recent Level 2, 3 and 4 sessions welcomed staff at every stage of their journey, from apprentices to associates, graduates to directors. Across a series of tailored two-day sessions, attendees stepped away from their day-to-day roles to engage in discussions, share their perspectives, listen to seminars and explore new potential ways of working.
“The WW:Academy is a key part of how we invest in our people. It’s about creating the space for collaboration, sharing ideas, and developing the skills that go beyond day-to-day project delivery”
“As we continue to grow as a business, it’s vital that we develop our people alongside that growth. The Academy gives our teams the opportunity to step back, think strategically, and understand how they contribute to the wider success of the business, which quality of service and product at its core.”
Our MD, Allan McGill, shared with us.
We kicked off this year’s Academy programme with our Level 2 cohort, bringing together junior and graduate staff from across our offices for the two days. Designed to support those in the early stages of their careers, the level 2 sessions focus on building confidence, encouraging curiosity and providing a bit of exposure to the wider industry, beyond their day-to-day project work.
By connecting staff from different offices and disciplines, the academy helps establish strong working relationships early on and fosters a sense of belonging for our younger staff. Over the two days, attendees took part in a series of seminars and discussions led by both internal teams and external experts. Guest speakers from Doig + Smith shared insights into the importance of effective project management. At the same time, Hiper Technology Group delivered a thought-provoking session and task on AI and automations, exploring how emerging tech can support efficiency without compromising accuracy, quality or privacy.
Building on this foundation, our level 3 sessions brought together mid to senior level staff for a more strategic programme focused on broadening perspectives and strengthening cross-disciplinary collaboration. At this stage, the academy shifts towards developing a deeper understanding of the wider business and industry, encouraging attendees to think beyond their immediate roles and consider how their work contributes to overall project success.
A key highlight of this session was the joint discussion led by our managing director, Allan McGill and John Petrie of Petrie Buchanan. Following the recent addition of Petrie Buchanan to the Wallace Whittle Group, this session offered valuable insight into the acquisition, alongside conversation around productivity, efficiency and the opportunities this brings for both our teams and our clients.
Alongside this, discussions continued to highlight innovation and technology, including the role of AI and Automation, encouraging staff to challenge their existing ways of working and explore how new approaches could enhance work efficiency and performance.
Lastly, our Level 4 session brough together senior staff from across the business, stepping away from the day-to-day management of project delivery. Designed to support leadership development, these sessions encourage open discussion around business strategy, performance and the future direction of Wallace Whittle. Our Level 4’s also explored how they can contribute to driving the business forward, whilst also sharing experiences and identifying potential opportunities to improve efficiency across teams.
“It’s really important that the Academy workshops provide direct access to our Managing Director, who attends all sessions and encourages staff at all levels to engage with each other and with him from the very start. This empowers everyone to get involved and play a part in shaping and developing the business for the future,” said Paul Hargreaves, Academy Manager.
This level of access helps to build a broader understanding of the business beyond individual roles, strengthening confidence and encouraging more informed decision-making across all levels.
“Our Academy workshops are not focused on technical skills, but instead provide a platform for wider personal development. From soft skills to peer-to-peer engagement, they help strengthen the team ethos of the business through collaboration and shared experiences,” added Raymond Kelly, Quality & Standardisation Manager
The Academy continues to play a vital role in developing our people at every stage of their careers. By creating opportunities to connect, collaborate and learn, we are not only strengthening individual capabilities but building a more aligned and forward-thinking community.
If you’re interested in being part of a business that invests in its people, you can explore our current opportunities on our careers page.
