Gwen Patterson, of Centra Moat FIlling Station, knows that training is the key to developing staff skills. Her passionate devotion to her staff saw her win the award for Staff Development at the 2009 IAA Awards.
“I have my own training company and so I believe in the importance of providing staff with the guidance they need to develop skills. Usually the store employs staff at a young age, through school and university, and the result is that much of our management team has been groomed from within the company. Each store section has regular team reviews which include each team member and supervisor having a talk and a yearly review being given.
“We also organise various social events, such as go-karting and raising money for charity as a means of team building. We provide an in-store training programme, known as the Centre of Excellence Programme, which provides training in areas such as sales and management. At the end of the course staff receive a certificate.
“My philosophy is that everyone deserves a chance in life, which training often provides. If staff at the shop decide they want to leave after receiving training then at least they are better equipped.”
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