SKILLS BOOST FOR FUTURE LEADERS

Britain’s future captains of industry look set to receive a head start on their rivals from overseas thanks to a unique leadership training programme developed by the National Skills Academy for Manufacturing (the Skills Academy). Working in collaboration with the Kingston University Business School, the Skills Academy - which is part of Semta, the Sector Skills Council for Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies - has developed a post-graduate programme leading to a Masters Degree in Leadership Practice. Aimed specifically at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) the programme consists of three modules and, at each step, learners receive a recognised qualification. Unlike many other similar courses, the new programme is work-based and designed to produce measurable benefits in the workplace. “As a result, the employer loses very little work time – which is particularly important to SMEs - but gains considerable improvements in performance,” explained Bill Twigg, Development Director at Semta. “Each stage of the programme is designed to produce improvements that will either generate savings or increase revenue, more than offsetting the cost of the training.” According to Bill the programme is particularly suited to future business leaders who may one day be responsible for running the SMEs they work for. Although it has been designed as a post-graduate qualification, the programme will be open to candidates with suitable practical experience who are also in a position to manage and implement business-changing projects. All candidates will receive support from an approved workplace mentor as well as having access to facilities at Kingston University. Continued Bill: “If the UK manufacturing industry is to remain competitive in a global economy, SMEs must have managers with the leadership skills to drive their businesses forward as well as the ability to think strategically.” Bill went on to explain that the Leadership Practice programme was not all about planning for the future but also delivering shorter-term benefits. It has been developed using the Skills Academy’s unique Learning Engine approach that integrates the five critical phases of the learning cycle: analysis, preparation, delivery, follow-through and evaluation. The Learning Engine also matches training requirements with clearly identified business needs. “The long term success of UK manufacturing lies in the hands of the next generation of managers and directors so it is important that they have the skills to give British manufacturing a competitive advantage,” he added. The programme got off to a flying start last month (November) and was fully booked, although a limited number of places are still available for the second programme starting in March 2010. For some companies operating the automotive supply chain, funding may also be available. Further information is available by contacting Semta Customer Services on 0845 643 9001. - E N D S – Image to accompany this release: High res image to download for print: Click here

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