UK Training Industry Press Releases

The achievements of future leaders at Ford UK have been celebrated after the latest group of its aspiring managers successfully completed an innovative development programme.

Bosses selected around 40 potential leaders to take part in the programme, which has been designed and led by business development organisation Acua.

And having completed the eight-month programme, they have now been recognised at an awards ceremony led by Ford of Britain chairman Joe Greenwell at the company's head offices in Brentwood.

The programme has helped lead to an increase in annual cost savings, productivity and production across the business, and a further 60 employees have now also been enrolled.

Paula Leach, learning and development manager for Ford of Britain, said the programme is playing a vital part in the development of skills across the company.

Learners represent all of the different functions in the business, from, engineering disciplines through to the finance arm Ford Credit.

Delegates had all been identified by their business units as having the potential to be leaders of the future and the programme has helped to provide them with a springboard into management.  Indeed, some of the learners in the first group have actually already achieved management positions while enrolled.

The programme was created for Ford by Acua, with accreditation awarded by its partner Coventry University, and is delivered by Acua business coaches Duncan Gotobed and Jo Varnavas.

Duncan said: "It is extremely rewarding to see the efforts of the learners being recognised.

"Over the last year Jo and I have worked closely with the participants on a day-to-day basis to understand their roles, challenges and development needs.

"This interaction directly within the working environment has really helped us to shape a programme which has a long-lasting benefit to each and everyone enrolled as well as addressing the needs of Ford.

"The feedback we've had from the participants has been extremely positive and we're delighted to be continuing the programme with further groups and building on the strong relationship we've established with Ford."

PICTURE CAPTION - left to right - Ford learners Darren Williams and Samuel Lowman, Ford of Britain learning and development manager Paula Leech, Duncan Gotobed (Acua), Ford of Britain chairman Joe Greenwell, Neil Withey, Sarah Worton (both Acua), Ford learner David McPherson and Jo Varnavas (Acua)

NOTES TO EDITORS:

The media release is issued by Advent Communications on behalf of Acua.

For media enquiries, contact Advent Communications on T: 024 7663 3636

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