Members of the Emplas management team have successfully completed an Institute of Management accredited training programme.
Delivered as part of the trade specialist’s continuous business improvement programme, the 10-module ‘Engaging Leadership’ programme was delivered by independent training provider, Beyond Theory.
Covering everything from customer experience skills, project management, to employee health and well-being, 10 members of the Emplas and T&K Home Improvements team, successfully completed the course this summer.
Judith Chadwick, HR Manager Emplas, said: “It’s really important that our managers have the right skills-set and particularly those skills which allow them to get the most out of the teams that they manage.
“If we get that right, everyone is more motivated and more productive – something which ultimately translates into better product quality, customer service and support.”
With 15% of its technical and customer services team made up from former or current apprentices, and with ambitions to grow this to 20% across the business by the end of next year, Emplas already has one of the industry’s most established apprenticeships programmes.
Judith added, however, that it was just as important to focus on the training of the industry’s management, if it was to be successful in up-skilling its workforce.
“Management is about much more than a title – and that’s something which is sometimes overlooked. Our managers are leaders within our business and if they’re to get the most out of the teams that they lead, it’s absolutely vital that we support them through appropriate training,” she said.
Modules were broken down into leadership versus management; time management and prioritisation; project planning; performance management; team building; coaching; change management; and presentation skills, with each module focussed on the practical application of ‘classroom learning’ in an operational environment.
Those taking part were selected from right across the business. This included production, transport, customer services, commercial and IT teams as well as two managers from Emplas’ in-house retail business, T&K.
Kevin Mander, operations QC manager, said: “The programme gave me a lot more confidence and a far better understanding of how to get the most out of the team. You’re often focussed on delivery, so making time to think about how we do things and how they can be improved, was invaluable.
“We also got to understand other parts of the business better, as well as how your approach can have a big impact on how other people react to you one way or another, either positively, or negatively.”
Those who completed the course continue to meet as part of working groups, sharing best practice and learning as part of an informal network and support function.
Judith added: “One of the benefits is that we’ve got different people from different parts of the business talking to each other and working more closely together.
“It’s improved individual skills sets but also communication. They’re more motivated, their teams are more motivated increasing efficiency, productivity and delivering better customer experience,” she concluded.
