Willmott Dixon chose Anglia Ruskin ahead of five other universities to validate its internal course for future leaders, the Management Development Level (MDL) 3 programme. The partnership allows senior managers on the MDL3 programme to accrue credits to progress to the MA in Leadership course, starting with the Postgraduate Certificate. These programmes will be delivered by academics from Anglia Ruskin’s Lord Ashcroft International Business School.

Founded in 1852, Willmott Dixon invests around £2 million on training and development each year, providing an average of four and a half training days per employee compared to an industry average of two days. Around 40 Willmott Dixon managers are enrolled on to the MDL3 each year.

Rick Willmott, Group Chief Executive, said: “Staff development is a huge part of what our company is about. We’ve recognised that for many years the best place to grow talent is from within the business. Partnering with Anglia Ruskin University is a significant step for us. We chose them because they support the core values of our company and I know they will strengthen our internal programmes.”

Professor Lesley Dobree, Deputy Vice Chancellor at Anglia Ruskin, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Willmott Dixon in the delivery of programmes for the company’s future leaders.

“Undoubtedly studying in the workplace and by distance learning is an area that will continue to grow, and we are proud that Anglia Ruskin has a long and successful history of working with employers and in customising Higher Education for clients.”