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Creating a skilled and happy workforce can be a big challenge for businesses. Here, the winners of the 2005 Chamber Award for Skills and Workforce Development, sponsored by the Learning and Skills Council, share some of the secrets of their success. They are just as relevant for companies thinking of using 2012 as a launch pad for a renewed focus on training their workforce: being the best you can be.
1. Think long term. Develop a long term strategy to train your staff and communicate this to them. This will encourage a feeling of job ownership and of being valued employees
2. Develop clear training programmes. Put visible bespoke development and training progression routes in place for your employees. This will enable each team member to see a defined route for their development within the company
3. Meet regularly. Conduct regular appraisals with staff to ensure that their development needs (as well as yours) are being met and progressed
4. Use your own premises. Consider on-site assessment and training. This will mean that people are more comfortable in demonstrating their skills and are assessed in their natural environment
5. Lead the way. Develop a consortium of representatives from local employers, training bodies, colleges and industry associations in your local area to coordinate the local recruitment and training of adults for your industry
6. Dedicate specific training days. If possible, set aside a set number of days per member of staff for training in 2006
7. Use local support organisations. Work closely with your local TUC Learning Services and local Learning and Skills Council to take full advantage of all the support offered by these organisations in training and development
8. Go back to basics. Offer a range of learning methods as some staff may lack the confidence to fully participate in workforce development through lack of numeracy and literacy skills
9. Partner with local schools. Work with local secondary schools and colleges to develop courses and work experience to support the growth of local basic skills
10. Look in-house for trainers. Consider using successful employees as trainers to the next generation by giving them coaching to be effective trainers and presenters or do an NVQ in Training | 