Preserve your most precious asset
(Business MK)

Learning is often first on the hit list when there is a downturn in economic growth but with a serious skills shortage it is important that workers are kept up to date with new skills and technology to keep the economy growing says Carmel Gardner, cgtc learning and development.

Historically, learning has been considered a ‘needs must’ item rather than a ‘must have’ on the corporate agenda but the last few years have seen a change in this culture. Technology demands highly trained and skilled personnel to operate it, systems are faster and more efficient, time is precious, and stress is high. Highly skilled workers are in great demand and can therefore command very high wages.

Forward thinking organisations recognise that their most valuable asset walks out of the door every evening – its people. I see evidence of this all the time when working with cgtc clients. Organisations that invest in their people, keep them. A good employer – and the most successful organisations – realise the value in retaining their staff and also helping them do their job well. As we said earlier, highly skilled staff can demand very high wages so it makes economic sense to hold on to your existing personnel rather than let them leave and have to pay exorbitant wages to replace them.

A company willing to invest in learning their staff will communicate a feeling of mutual respect, make individuals feel valued and in turn enjoy their work – a true corporate wellbeing led by corporate responsibility. A recent report from the Industrial Society New Community or New Slavery?* The Emotional Division of Labour” highlights the differences between loving a job and hating it. Judith Doyle, author of the report, says ’employee’s attitudes to work depend on more than their salary and promotional opportunities. What makes the difference between a good job and a bad job are the intrinsic, emotional elements. People want a job that matches their skills and abilities and where they find recognition and respect”

People need to feel both motivated and challenged but there is a very fine line between this and being overwhelmed and not coping. learning helps with coping mechanisms, and in the long term can reduce stress and will create a culture and environment in which a happy and economically efficient workforce can thrive.The learning industry is well equipped to bring workers up to date with the skills needed to keep the new economy growing, it’s up to employers to take a longer term view by investing in their most valuable asset – their people.

CGTC learning and development supports Ealing Council initiative

CGTC continues its success in providing high level learning and development programmes for Local Authorities. The company was commissioned by Ealing Council to work with their teams on a major development initiative rolling out across all areas of the Council. The focus of this major change is to provide better, more direct and simple access to Council services. cgtc supported the Council in its transition from traditional working to a ‘one stop shop’ culture with enhanced focus on meeting customers’ needs.

CGTC went through the Council’s standard competitor selection process and this along with a recommendation from another London Borough on the quality of their service and excellent relationship working, led them to win the contract for designing, developing and facilitating the new customer focus programmes.

Ealing Council’s, Project Manager, Virginia Jordan, was involved from the early stages and was committed to a new concept of using Council staff to deliver the training. “Evaluation and feedback from similar projects, shows that people learn from others who understand their circumstances. Using our own staff meant that those delivering the training understood the challenges facing their delegates and could enrich the programme with their own knowledge of the council and local needs. Working like this also created a development opportunity for staff which gave a very positive message.” says Virginia.

As part of the programme, cgtc deisgned and delivered train the trainer programmes; including a module for IT training, and designed and delivered a modular training course for team leaders in the customer services centre, which incorporated a training pack to enable team leaders to refresh their teams’ focus on their customers Virginia adds: “CGTC is brilliant at relationship management, being both flexible and responsive. They designed creative and practical programmes across different levels of the Council”.

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Press Office: Grimwood Associates (01525) 852003 email:jane@grimwoodassociates.co.uk

CGTC support Italian Job fundraising

CGTC is delighted to have the opportunity to support The Italian Job charity event to raise funds in aid of national childrens’ charities. The company is sponsoring Carl and Clare Elsby, of Northamptonshire based Accountants, Elsby & Co in their ten day drive, in a Mini, across Europe, capturing some of the locations (and possibly moments!) featured in the cult classic 1969 British heist film starring Michael Caine.

Carmel Gardner adds “This is such a fun way of raising funds for such a worthwhile charity as NCH. Each year we look to support a charity or cause and we believe very strongly in the NCH policy of investing 90% of their proceeds into actual childrens’ services. We wish Carl and Clare the best of luck and the very best fun in their endeavours.”

To date The Italian Job charity has raised over £1,869,425.58 for children and hope this year to reach £2 million.

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Press Office: Grimwood Associates (01525) 852003 email:jane@grimwoodassociates.co.uk