Tradeteam gives its Staff a Career Boost

Drinks logistics specialist Tradeteam has helped a record number of staff get ahead through DHL’s employee leadership academy programme. The drinks distribution giant selected seven employees for its HeadStart programme this year. HeadStart is a career improvement initiative run in partnership with parent company DHL Supply Chain since 2002. The scheme is dedicated to developing highly capable staff and preparing them for their first line manager position. Carol Peckham Tradeteam’s HR director said: “This is a tried and tested initiative that gives those at the very heart of our company the chance to move into roles they may never have considered possible. “The programme is designed to challenge and motivate, to take people out of their comfort zone, whilst providing a support framework and learning programme that will give them all the right skills to go far in management and to reach their full potential.” Individuals from every business department at Tradeteam, with any level of previous experience can be nominated for the year-long course. Participants receive structured learning including modules in leadership and team building, CSR and people skills and complete two six-month work placements within different divisions of the wider DHL business. Since the scheme started over 140 people have progressed into their first management roles with many obtaining accreditation from the Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport (CILT) and a NVQ level three in Logistics and Supply Chain Management. Carol Peckham added: “It is fantastic to see more people succeeding on the scheme this year than ever before. “Dedicated training and development has always been core to our business strategy. This scheme is just one demonstration of this way of thinking. We know that engaged people create an environment of success not just for themselves and Tradeteam but for our customers as well.” Anita Erdmann, Warehouse Operative at Tradeteam’s Stretton distribution centre and a participant on this year’s scheme said: “The HeadStart programme is a fantastic opportunity. It is really refreshing to find a company that respects individual ambition and provides them with a means of channelling that into the business.” Lyndsey Rutherford who completed the scheme last year said: “Since completing HeadStart in 2009 I was given the opportunity to come back to my home site and become an operational FLM. The hands on experience from the two placements gave me the skills, knowledge and experience to run shifts effectively.”

Tags: