Grooming for the future

A buoyant economy means that many companies are experiencing sustained growth. This tends to be accompanied by a need to recruit additional personnel ñ a challenging task in a competitive job market. According to Dr Atholl Campbell, Projects Coordinator at Latent Ltd, offering training opportunities to employees can help both attract and retain them.

Atholl comments, ìIt can be difficult for SMEs to compete with larger firms when recruiting staff. The bigger players tend to be able to offer better salaries and these can prove attractive to candidates. We have found that offering pertinent training to employees is a factor in both attracting and retaining personnel.

ìAs appropriate we develop training plans for each employee. Not only does this aid the business because we enable the employee to develop skills which will help them in their role, but from a strategic planning point of view it also allows us to see how much budget needs to be allocated to training.î

Vikki Edmonstone joined Latent Ltd as an administrator in January 2006. She comments, ìWorking at Latent Ltd has definitely been a good career choice for me. I joined them from school and one of the key features of the job that appealed to me was the fact that they were prepared to invest time and money in developing my skills.î

Since joining Latent Ltd, Vikki has completed three training courses and is booked on a fourth. ìThe courses I have undertaken have helped me to perform better at work and expand my role. In addition I have noticed that I have become more confident in my own abilities.î

Atholl adds, ìWhen we were recruiting for an administrator we decided that the best course of action would be to recruit a school leaver and offer them the chance to develop their career by undertaking training. Over time this decision has definitely proved to be the right one. Vikki has excelled in her role and the training she has completed so far has been invaluable in helping her to fulfil her role and also to develop it by taking on additional responsibility.î

ìKnowing that my employer is willing to invest in me by both paying for training and allowing me the time to complete it is important to me,î comments Vikki. ìIt shows they value the work I do and that they are willing to spend time and time and money to help me reach my full potential.î

ìWe ensure that training is not just something that is discussed at interview but that we follow through and ensure it is delivered ñ this is a vital element in keeping personnelî, finishes Atholl.

Latent Ltd is an asset management support consultancy providing asset performance and integrity management services. The wide suite of products and services offered by Latent Ltd enables the management of universally recognised business scorecards and key performance indicators, Latent Ltd is able to enhance the performance, reputation and business position of Asset operators and owners. Latent Ltd can be contacted on 01224 645999 or info@latentltd.co.uk.