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Developing our people
One of the objectives of the People Plan is to develop leadership skills in current and potential managers and the People Development Framework provides an integrated range of flexible training options and learning ideas.
Everyone who joins NWL receives a personalised induction plan providing their familiarisation and training programme for the first few weeks of their employment. In addition, they are invited to a corporate induction day where they meet senior managers and are introduced to the company and our approach to key areas including health and safety, terms and conditions, pensions and community involvement.
We recognise the vital contribution that training and management development can make to fully realise both organisational and individual potential. Our approach focuses on giving the skills and competencies needed for role and job objectives, to ensure people are working safely and competently with the potential to develop and attain aspirations.
Our aim is to build and maintain a culture which values, encourages and recognises outstanding performance, where we share a commitment to our objectives and to delivering our personal best. From corporate induction day and induction planning, to individual coaching, accreditation of skills through national vocational qualifications, to management and leadership programmes, we provide the resources needed to help employees reach their full potential.
We signed the Government’s Skills Pledge at the end of 2007, publicly committing to develop 90% of the workforce, around 2,600 employees, to at least National Qualification Framework Level 2 – the equivalent of five GCSEs at grades A to C – by the end of 2010.
An ambitious NVQ programme has been rolled out in our customer and operational areas. Funding has been secured from the Learning and Skills Council’s ‘Train to Gain’ fund and also through Business Link.
NWL’s successful four-year apprenticeship scheme began in September 2007. We now have three intakes of mechanical and electrical apprentices at different stages in their training with all of the apprentices guaranteed jobs on successful completion of the bespoke programme. In 2009 for the first time we introduced an information technology/telecoms apprenticeship further developing the range of jobs available to young people in our regions.
Our Graduate Development Programme has been re-launched to provide potential leaders for the future. Candidates undertake a two year programme with three to six month placements in different parts of the business. In addition to a line manager they are also given a senior manager mentor. Employment is also guaranteed on successful completion of the programme. We currently have eight graduates on the programme and plan to recruit an additional three during 2010.
Recognising our employees’ academic achievements, the fourth annual skills awards were celebrated this year. Attended by senior managers from around the business, and with guest speaker Kriss Akabusi, the events were again motivational and memorable.