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At Moore Concrete, we’ve always believed that our greatest strength is our people.
For more than forty years, investing in training and development has been central to how we grow as a business. From the very beginning, our founder and Managing Director, Wilbert Moore, set the tone — build quality products, but also build a skilled, confident and capable team behind them.
As we’ve continued to expand — now employing more than 160 people — that commitment hasn’t changed. In fact, it’s grown stronger.
That’s why we’re proud to have launched our very own Precast Concrete Training Academy at our site in Ballymena.
Why Training Matters in Precast Manufacturing
Precast concrete manufacturing isn’t just about producing large structural units — it’s about precision.
Many of the products we manufacture are significant in scale and weight. Yet despite their size, the tolerances involved are extremely tight. Whether it’s structural components for infrastructure or bespoke precast solutions, accuracy and quality are non-negotiable.
Concrete itself is far more complex than many people realise. Different mixes, strengths and finishes are developed to suit specific applications. There’s science behind every batch and engineering behind every unit.
For anyone starting a career in precast manufacturing, it can be a steep learning curve. We recognised that creating a structured, hands-on introduction would make a real difference — not just for new employees, but for the business as a whole.
Creating Our Own Training Academy
While we’ve always worked closely with local training providers and colleges, we wanted to go a step further.
The result is a purpose-built, in-house training academy designed to give both new and existing employees the practical skills and confidence they need to succeed in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Launched at the end of 2025, the academy is led by Ryan Dodds, a fully registered ITSSAR instructor with extensive industry experience.
From day one, every new employee now completes a structured three-day induction programme before joining their production team.
The programme covers:
- Manual handling
- Health and safety procedures
- Safe crane operation
- Concrete mixing principles
- Quality awareness
- Practical factory-floor experience
Safety is paramount in our facilities. With lifting operations capable of handling up to 27 tonnes — and even more when cranes are paired — proper training is essential.
But beyond safety, the academy is about understanding the “why” behind what we do.
More Than Just an Induction
One of the most valuable aspects of the academy is the hands-on experience it provides.
Participants don’t just sit in a classroom — they make concrete mixes, see how products are formed, and gain a real appreciation for the standards required in commercial precast production.
This helps new team members understand the precision and responsibility that comes with the job. It also helps them quickly recognise when something isn’t right — whether that’s a material issue or a quality concern.
Not everyone is suited to manufacturing, and that’s okay. The academy provides clarity early on. It gives new starters the chance to decide if this environment is right for them, while also allowing us to identify those with strong potential.
It’s an approach that benefits everyone.
Supporting Long-Term Careers at Moore Concrete
The Training Academy isn’t just for new recruits.
It also provides refresher training and development opportunities for long-serving employees. Continuous improvement has always been part of our culture, and we want our team to feel supported at every stage of their career.
As we continue to grow across the UK and Ireland, maintaining high standards in safety, quality and performance is essential. But equally important is ensuring our workforce feels confident, valued and equipped to succeed.
Looking Ahead
Launching our Precast Concrete Training Academy is a natural step in our journey.
It reflects who we are as a business — forward-thinking, quality-driven and committed to doing things properly.
Most importantly, it reinforces something we’ve believed since day one:
If you invest in your people, everything else follows.
