Tradeteam employees learn the art of leadership

Article Type: Notes and news From: Industrial and Commercial Training, Volume 43, Issue 2

Drinks logistics specialist Tradeteam has helped a record number of staff to get ahead through DHL’s employee-leadership academy program.

The drinks-distribution giant selected seven employees for its HeadStart program – a career-improvement initiative run in partnership with parent company DHL Supply Chain since 2002. The scheme is dedicated to developing 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 heart of our company the chance to move into roles they may never have considered possible.

The program is designed to challenge and motivate, to take people out of their comfort zone while providing a support framework and learning program 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 experience, can be nominated for the year-long course.

Participants receive structured learning including modules in leadership and team building, corporate social responsibility and people skills. They complete two six-month work placements in different divisions of the wider DHL business.

Since the scheme started, more than 140 people have progressed into their first management roles, with many obtaining accreditation from the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) and a National Vocational Qualification level three in logistics and supply-chain management.

Carol Peckham added:

Dedicated training and development have 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, who works in the warehouse at Tradeteam’s Stretton distribution centre, said:

The HeadStart program is a fantastic opportunity. It is really refreshing to find a company that respects individual ambition and provides a means of channelling that into the business.

Lyndsey Rutherford, who completed the scheme last year, said:

Since completing HeadStart I have been given the opportunity to come back to my home site and become an operational first-line manager. The hands-on experience from the two placements gave me the skills, knowledge and experience to run shifts effectively.