Managerial Leadership Development In The Uk

Redrow trains industry managers of the future

As the UK adult population’s thirst for knowledge is marked today by National Learning at Work Day (May 19), leading housebuilder Redrow Homes has launched its own innovative new management development programme.

Designed to train the managers of the future and improve the skills of those currently in a managerial role, the course is another forward-thinking step by a company which encourages a significant proportion of its workforce to undertake additional qualifications.

With its own purpose-built national training centre in Tamworth, Staffs, and more than 13,000 training hours delivered to staff each year, the UK housebuilder has one of the best training records in the industry.

HR director Karen Jones said: “We’re already far exceeding many companies when it comes to the recruitment of apprentices and graduate trainees; and we’ve introduced innovative training courses and bespoke qualifications for our site and sales staff.

“This latest course is designed to help new managers fulfil their potential. Wherever possible we look to promote people from within and it’s important to ensure existing staff possess the appropriate skill set before they take up a managerial position or upon achieving such a role.”

Ten employees have begun Redrow’s first management development programme of the year, with a similar number due to begin the course in August.

It takes around six months to achieve the formal qualification; a level 3 award in First Line Management with the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM).

Six one-day workshops at Redrow's dedicated training centre will cover the topics of leadership, teamwork, communication, managing change, solving problems and delivering results. Candidates are then required to complete three assignments in their own time.

Karen added: “Good managers are the key to a successful workforce at every level. We’re delighted to launch the new programme to coincide with National Learning at Work Day and it’s further evidence of our commitment to developing the skills and experience of our employees.”

In addition to those undertaking the new management development programme, Redrow currently has 25 employees undertaking NVQs in Senior Management, Site Management, Site Supervision and the Sale of Residential Property. In the last year 17 have achieved an NVQ qualification.

Redrow has also offered positions to six post-graduate trainees for September this year and has begun the recruitment process for a new intake of under-graduate one-year work placements and 20 new apprentices.

How can your business survive the skills gap shortage? Bidiversity ...

First published on Aquitude .

Employee demographics are changing. The post-war baby boomers, who fueled the exponential growth of the world economy, are retiring. In the UK, 550,000 people a year reach pensionable age; in 2012 it is expected to peak to 807,000 (over 50% more than usual). The UK will be short of 1.3 million 30-44 year olds by 2030. The economic impact of this will be substantial, as it will drain the country’s pension-tanks. However, the skills shortage will be an abhorrent reality for corporations. They will be faced with the looming impact of not enough qualified candidates to steer their corporate ships.

What can your company do to avoid crashing in the waves of lack of talent?