31 July 2009 - The Construction Industry Institute (CII), a consortium of more than 100 leading owner, engineering-contractor, and supplier firms, has awarded Aker Solutions its 2009 Professional Development Award.  The award is presented to CII member organisations demonstrating exceptional commitment to the development of construction industry professionals. 

The foundation for Aker Solutions' programme is the "Harvard ManageMentor®" e-learning portal which provides employees a suite of offerings incorporating three learning paths: Manage Self, Manage Others, and Manage Projects. Following online instruction in 42 development areas, learning cafés are set-up to further explore topics in a classroom environment, facilitated by the organisation's leadership.

Glyn Rodgers, Aker Solutions US Inc. president accepted the award during CII's annual conference held in Reno, Nevada this week.

"Our learning and development programme is unique among engineering and construction organisations in the United States," said Rodgers. "The business is partnering with Harvard University and Aker Solutions' leaders to engage employees in an interactive learning culture. We are pleased to accept this award for fostering continual learning and professional development within our organisation."

The programme incorporates the best practice of hands-on involvement, while aligning with CII's research on engagement, quality management, project execution and team building.

Created in 2007, CII Professional Development Awards are presented to an owner member organisation and a contractor/supplier member who demonstrate incorporation of CII research findings into their professional development programmes. Past award recipients include DuPont Engineering, Washington Group International, CCC Group, Inc. and Smithsonian Institution.

ENDS

Kim Corbin, Regional Communications Manager, Aker Solutions. Tel: +1 304 720 4192, Mob: +1 304 380 6601

Investor relations:
Lasse Torkildsen, SVP Investor Relations, Aker Solutions. Tel: +47 67 51 30 39, Mob: +47 911 37 194

Career opportunities:
Visit http://www.akersolutions.com/careers 

Aker Solutions ASA, through its subsidiaries and affiliates ("Aker Solutions"), is a leading global provider of engineering and construction services, technology products and integrated solutions. Aker Solutions' business serves several industries, including oil & gas, refining & chemicals, mining & metals and power generation. The Aker Solutions group is organised in a number of separate legal entities. Aker Solutions is used as the common brand/trademark for most of these entities. 

Aker Solutions' parent company is Aker Solutions ASA.  Aker Solutions has aggregated annual revenues of approximately NOK 58 billion and employs approximately 23 000 people in about 30 countries.

Aker Solutions is part of Aker (www.akerasa.com), a group of premier companies with a focus on energy, maritime and marine resource industries. The Aker companies share a common set of values and a long tradition of industrial innovation. As an industrial owner controlling 40.27 percent of the shares in Aker Solutions through Aker Holding AS, Aker ASA takes an active role in the development of Aker Solutions.  

The Construction Industry Institute, based at The University of Texas at Austin, is a consortium of more than 100 leading owner, engineering-contractor, and supplier firms from both the public and private arenas. These organizations have joined together to enhance the business effectiveness and sustainability of the capital facility life cycle through CII research, related initiatives, and industry alliances. A learning organization with a wealth of knowledge and information, CII is unique in the engineering and construction industry.

This press release may include forward-looking information or statements and is subject to our disclaimer, see www.akersolutions.com.