A new Accelerated Development Programme launched by Wolseley UK has seen 17 of its participants graduate.
Developed and launched in June 2012, the Accelerated Development Programme identifies high-potential employees within the Wolseley UK business and, following successful completion of a six-month programme, promises a promotion to branch manager when a suitable position becomes available.
Seventeen employees with different roles within the business including team supervisors, deputy branch managers and network support managers were selected to take part. After an induction to outline the programme’s vision and expectations, all participants were allocated a mentor from branch operations to support them through the programme.
The course continued with a First Line Management module, teaching the trainees leadership skills, and a series of other training workshops including Essentials of Safety Management and Managing Conduct and Underperformance.
Branch improvement projects also took place to encourage project management and practical problem solving. One employee undertook a stock returns project and managed to save an average branch four hours per week. He is now working with senior management to roll out the initiative across the business.
In addition, theoretical knowledge was put into application when participants were asked to deputise for branch managers and change branches to gain a different perspective from their regular place of work.
Since graduating, five course participants have already been promoted to branch manager.
Mairead Golding, leadership development manager, Wolseley UK, said: “It is a crucial part of Wolseley UK’s business strategy to grow our own people and develop talent from within. I am immensely proud of this scheme and what it represents: a commitment to talent development that results in real career progression. We reward staff loyalty and ability by developing our own leaders of tomorrow. Well done to all the recent graduates of the Accelerated Development Programme. It shows hard work and commitment really does pay off!”
The Accelerated Development Programme has continued this year with the appointment of 17 new high-potential recruits from across the Wolseley UK business. It is anticipated that up to 18 more colleagues will be recruited onto the programme in July 2013.
