Designed to help high performing employees develop the skills needed to progress to management posts, the programme incorporates a full nine months of training. During this period the trainees, under the guidance of the Training Department and their line managers, are also required to prepare a project that demonstrates both theoretical and practical skills.
Successful assessment at the end of the course leads to a prestigious and nationally recognised Level 3 qualification accredited by the Institute of Leadership and Management.
Continual investment in staff
“Even in the present tough economic climate, we are as committed as ever to investing in the development of our staff and our business,” said Simon Reeves, VSG’s Human Resources director, “which is why we have pushed ahead with the introduction of the Talent Management programme.”
Reeves went on to explain: “Our philosophy is that those companies continuing to invest during the recession will be those best placed to go forward when the recovery comes. The launch of the Talent Management Programme is just one of the ways in which we’re translating that philosophy into action.”
Applications to take part in VSG’s latest initiative are accepted from all of the company’s employees in the UK and Ireland with a a supervisory role or supervisory experience. All applications are subjected to careful scrutiny, and the most promising candidates – the company’s future stars – are then invited to participate in the programme.
The programme in 2009
This year, 54 applications were received from staff competing for 11 programme placements.
“Our Talent Management Programme provides immediate benefits for our clients,” continued Reeves, “since our staff gain additional skills, and are able to put these to use straightaway to enhance the service they provide. If proof is needed of the benefits for the employees themselves, it’s worth mentioning that one of our current regional directors joined us as a site supervisor and achieved promotion via a training route that was the forerunner of our new Talent Management Programme.”
