It was a case of caps thrown in the air for duo Kerri Wood and Marie Curran after they became the first Group Leaders at Castle Bromwich to complete the Group Leader Academy (GLA) training course.
The two-week course delivers a hands-on one-stop shop experience designed around helping GL’s sharpen their production and management skills.
Course activities include leadership coaching, process what’s and why’s, risk assessment training, communication, presentation and briefing training as well as a host of hands-on activities to put their skills into practice.
At the end of the two weeks, Group Leaders are asked to return to work and complete 12 modules of activity which asks them to apply their learning with their real-life teams.
Kerri and Marie have become the first to complete their post-course modules and were full of praise about their experience of the course.
Kerri, who’s been with the business for seven years and spent every one of those in Paint, said: “It was really helpful to be taken through the official standard as to what’s expected of a Group Leader but then be supported on how you’re supposed to deliver it.
“I really enjoyed it so for other Group Leaders who haven’t gone through it yet I would just say soak up as much as you can.”
G Block body-in-white Group Leader Marie has been at Castle Brom for 20 years and worked in almost every block. She said the biggest impact the training had on her was her confidence.
“I’ve been a Group Leader for nearly eight years and over that time you obviously get a general understanding of what’s expected. The course though not only took you through things like paperwork but also why its important and how it can help you.
“All of the activities show you all the different situations you might come across but also how to deal with them and that gives you confidence which I always thought was my biggest weakness.
“It’s helped me handle everything better and that’s helped me be a better Group Leader for my team.”
I'm sure everyone will join us in wishing them a big congratulations for this awesome effort.
If you want to find out more about the Group Leader Academy, speak to your local IPS lead.
Gallery