Briggs Equipment launches a training academy

A CANNOCK materials handling equipment supplier has launched a learning and development initiative in the shape of a training academy.

Briggs Equipment says the initiative will help with both staff development and customer service.

Heading up the ‘Briggs Academy’ is Jon Chadwick, who has recently been appointed as learning and development manager at the company.

He said: “We have seen successes with our training for technical and product related skills. However, we have not spent time developing necessary soft skills.

“The creation of the learning academy will focus on these skills and will be a move away from the traditional one way training process, whereby groups of employees are sent on training courses and what they learn is often forgotten and rarely applied in the workplace.

“We recognise that everyone has different learning styles and training has to be a two way process.

“This means employees take responsibility for their own development and with the right support and guidance, businesses can reap the rewards of having a more fulfilled and engaged workforce.”

Each employee at Briggs will get support in constructing his or her own development plans and will receive training tailored specifically for them. All training will incorporate blended learning including one-to-one coaching, shadowing and e-learning.

Briggs’ chief executive officer Richard Close said: “Our people are our key assets and investing in their development will help us to strengthen our offering to customers.

“The Briggs Academy will be driven by the needs of individuals and the needs of the business, ensuring it contributes to our future growth.”