Freight and Logistics
Railgourmet Testimony
The organisations approach stems from our guiding principles of delivering a service which is 'First Class Consistently'; but most importantly making sure it happens. This is reflected in an open approach to our training needs. The aim of the training and development function is to be consistently pro–active to the needs of the business, our customers, and the needs of individuals. A yearly training plan is devised and published which includes the key training areas for the year but is also flexible to the extent that any new initiatives are added throughout the life of the document whilst still retaining a clear vision of where 'we' need to be. Working with internal course providers, the LSC, Train to Gain and Telford College we have delivered awards in an extensive range of qualifications nationwide.
Following our commitment to 'mandatory' enrol all colleagues onto this fantastic programme two years ago, we now have 100 employees at Euston Station Service Centre. Of which:
- 97 staff, 97% are engaged in the programme.
- 92 have enrolled and 81 (81%) are fully complete.
Our mission was to attain an engagement rate of 80% at minimum NVQ level. We have smashed our target and now have 97% engaged over various levels. From the success of our NVQ programme we launched Skills for Life on a national level.
Recognition from our customer
A major benefit of the training has been the recognition from our customer; Virgin Trains that we are supporting our internal initiatives and training programme with external nationally recognised qualifications, which ties into our aim of being a 'preferred employer'.
Internally it has improved the morale of the individuals involved in the programmes and has shown an improvement in the teamwork aspect of the unit. This has helped to encourage a receptive attitude to change (in work practices and the working environment).
This training has also been cost effective and disruption minimal. Shift managers have commented on improved performance and quality of work, and as you can see from the information below has also resulted in improved retention and absence rates.
Most importantly however, individuals recognise that the company has invested in and provided to them externally recognised qualifications / development in their futures.
