To be successful in the design, planning, and construction support industry, you need to have a strong interest in learning. At Urban, we encourage our staff to keep learning throughout their careers. We do that through supporting continuing education through tuition reimbursement; paying membership dues for professional societies and organizations; and providing in house trainings for staff. As part of our #UR60N campaign looking ahead at our 60th anniversary, we are sharing some of the ways we support staff development.

Tuition Reimbursement

Urban encourages employees to seek higher education through a tuition reimbursement program. Regular, full-time employees are eligible for financial assistance from the firm for tuition payments associated with certain job-related education/training after 90 days and approval from a supervisor and human resources.

Professional Societies 

Participation in professional societies is a proven way to learn more about one’s profession and become more knowledgeable of the industry and best practices. Urban supports participation of staff with organizations like the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Construction Management Association of America, and the American Society of Highway Engineers, among many others, by covering dues and registration costs. The firm encourages staff to attend educational seminars and conferences hosted by these organizations to expand their knowledge and expertise in their respective fields.

Urban also actively encourages qualified employees to become registered professionals or seek accreditation and professional certifications, when possible. The firm will assist in exam fees associated with the certifications and provides financial incentives for earning technical accreditations.

Training Institute

Since its inception in 2007, the Urban Training Institute has strived to create exceptional learning experiences for employees and to extend Urban’s resources to all professionals in the architecture, engineering, and construction community seeking professional development. As an IACET Authorized Provider, the Company offers training and awards Continuing Education Units (CEUs). Many professional registration boards accept IACET Authorized Provider courses to help meet state licensure continuing education requirements.

The Institute aligns with Urban’s mission to support its employees’ professional development. To assist busy engineers earn their professional development hours (PDHs) ahead of a license renewal deadline, the firm hosted a “PDH Month,” which included nine accredited, in-house training sessions. The Urban Training Institute organized the “TrainingPalooza” with the dual purpose of fulfilling the requirements staff need for licensure, as well as giving employees a chance to get experience as presenters.