Construction company builds the managers of tomorrow
Article Type: Notes and news From: Industrial and Commercial Training, Volume 45, Issue 7
Wolseley UK has launched a management-training program to attract the best graduates to the construction industry.
The company – part of Wolseley plc, a distributor of plumbing and heating products and supplier of construction materials – has 950 branches and 6,500 employees. Its 18-month program gives graduates the chance to join a FTSE 100 company and become part of the next generation of managers.
For operational graduates, the program begins with a nine-month placement in a branch, where trainees will spend more time in boots and a high-visibility jacket than in a suit, learning how to do business at the trade counter.
There are a number of options for the next three-month placement, including undertaking project work with a senior manager.
The final placement involves being appointed to a deputy-branch-manager position, with support and training continuing for a further six months.
The program is a combination of regular training sessions, online training and job shadowing, all of which are designed to provide the practical, hands-on experience required to be a Wolseley manager.
Trainees are supported throughout the program by: their placement manager, who helps in day-to-day activities; a coach from the senior-management team, offering advice and guidance; and a mentor, many of whom are former graduates and have been through schemes like this one.
Mairead Golding, Leadership-Development Manager at Wolseley UK, said: “One of our key people goals is to have the best branch staff. I believe our management-training program is another great way of making this happen. We are looking for people who will roll up their sleeves, make decisions and use their initiative. In return, we will give them the experience they need to take on a management position within 12 months.
