Transgrid operates and manages the high-voltage electricity transmission network across New South Wales and the ACT. As the operator of critical infrastructure supporting the National Electricity Market, the organisation is responsible for delivering increasingly complex capital works, network expansion and asset replacement projects.

Recognising the growing importance of project planning, project controls, risk management and cost forecasting, Transgrid partnered with Certitude Australia and Synchrony Projects to strengthen capability within its specialist Planning and Controls team.

The engagement combined training needs analysis, instructional design, advanced specialist training, coaching and workplace application activities to create a sustainable capability uplift program.

The Challenge

As major infrastructure projects increase in scale and complexity, organisations require strong planning and controls capability to support informed decision-making, delivery confidence and effective governance.

For Transgrid, this meant strengthening specialist skills in areas such as cost engineering, forecasting, risk management and project controls. Furthermore, the organisation wanted learning solutions that extended beyond classroom delivery and supported the practical application of skills within active infrastructure projects.

Importantly, participants already possessed significant experience. Therefore, the focus was not on foundational training but on developing advanced practitioner capability and supporting recognised industry pathways.

The Solution

Certitude worked closely with Transgrid stakeholders to design and deliver a tailored Planning and Controls Capability Uplift Program aligned to the organisation’s delivery environment and future capability requirements.

Advanced Cost Engineering Capability

Certitude developed and delivered an advanced Cost Engineering workshop aligned to the Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering (AACE) Total Cost Management Framework (TCMF). As a result, participants strengthened their understanding of cost management practices, forecasting approaches and project controls disciplines applicable to large-scale infrastructure programs.

Advanced Risk Management Development

Certitude also designed and delivered a customised Risk Management workshop aligned to ISO 31000. The program focused on practical risk identification, qualitative and quantitative assessment, mitigation planning, monitoring and reporting. Furthermore, the learning content reflected the planning and controls responsibilities of participants operating within complex project environments.

Learning Transfer and Capability Embedding

Rather than relying solely on formal training events, the engagement incorporated a structured learning journey underpinned by adult learning principles and the 70:20:10 development model. Consequently, participants received support to apply new skills within the workplace and reinforce learning over time.

Industry Certification Pathways

Certitude established pathways linking capability development with recognised industry certifications and professional development opportunities. As a result, participants could continue building capability beyond the immediate engagement while supporting long-term workforce development objectives.

The Outcomes

The Planning and Controls Capability Uplift Program provided Transgrid with a structured approach to developing advanced technical capability across its specialist planning and controls workforce.

Key Outcomes

• Delivered customised advanced Cost Engineering training aligned to the AACE Total Cost Management Framework.
• Delivered advanced Risk Management training aligned to ISO 31000.
• Developed capability in forecasting, risk assessment and project controls disciplines.
• Established recognised certification pathways supporting ongoing professional development.
• Implemented a structured learning journey focused on workplace application and capability transfer.
• Strengthened planning and controls capability supporting the delivery of major infrastructure projects.

Building Project Controls Capability for Critical Infrastructure

Certitude Australia supports infrastructure, utilities, government and Defence organisations through specialist capability development in project controls, project management, scheduling, cost engineering and risk management.

By combining technical expertise with practical workplace application, Certitude helps organisations develop the capability needed to improve forecasting, strengthen governance and successfully deliver complex capital programs