Benefits go beyond training
In what are continuing to be challenging times we have a unique opportunity to prioritise our self- development and that of our team, says Applelec, trade supplier of signs, displays and lighting.
Training provides an important part in not only improving the service we offer our customers but also enhancing and retaining the talent within our team. As a result of identifying this opportunity, Applelec has developed free online training courses delivered by their signage experts and tailored to suit their customers’ individual needs. The courses are held at a time and in a location that suits customers and can be held either online or face-to-face.
Managing director Ian Drinkwater says: “We believe that you should be prepared to give back to the industry which supports your business and our free training courses are one of the ways in which we do this.”
The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) suggests that at this time companies should “maximise opportunities for employees to develop skills and careers. It’s also important to understand and manage people’s career expectations. Where promotions are not feasible, look for sideways moves that allow employees to gain different development experiences.”
Of course, even free training has a cost associated with it, considering the potential down time it creates. However, Applelec believe the benefits it offers extend well beyond the training given, heightening skills and awareness of products and services, which can lead to greater opportunities for businesses to gain future profit.
Head of customer engagement Andy Armitage comments: “We have listened to our customers and have formed a series of signage training modules which tackle the questions they most frequently ask and address the obstacles they often face. We adapt these to deliver a tailored session to cover the needs of the company undertaking the training.
“By the end of our training sessions, attendees should have the skills to confidently discuss the many techniques and options used to deliver a successful signage project. Through understanding what your customers want and being able to offer on the spot expert advice, the chances of winning the order and a new customer are much improved”.
The business not only extends its approach to industry training but most importantly, practice what they preach, actively seeking opportunities to elevate people in their team. Their ongoing, regular, internal training sessions offer their team the opportunity to expand upon their skill base while ensuring consistency in standards throughout the entire manufacturing process.
Applelec says its approach to multi-skilling its team ensures full understanding of the importance of each part of the manufacturing process and adherence to the industry leading standards to which they manufacture. Applelec believes that ongoing investment in training not only results in products being manufactured consistently to the right standard but also leads to a more engaged and skilled team.