Training and Development of our Own Workforce
30 Mar 2016
Over recent years, Hi-Force has invested significantly in the training and development of the workforce. Technical product training has been identified as a key focus for development, to ensure that employees have the skill set required to offer accurate and specialist advice to our customer base. Hi-Force employees from across all areas of the business are required to attend basic product training during the first few months of their employment. Those employees requiring more detailed training are also provided with additional in-depth and technical training courses. This commitment also extends to the workforce of our distributor network.
The Company also provides specialist CNC machine training to increase the skill and technical competency level of operational staff, in addition to; Health & Safety Training; practical in-house Crane, FLT training and abrasive wheel training; induction training for new employees; sales skills training; export training; appraisal and other in-house people management training; and sponsoring and supporting employees through qualifications relevant to their roles. Hi-Force also has a bespoke appraisal process to identify any additional training needs and ensure its employees are developed where appropriate. With a policy of promoting from within, Hi-Force recognizes that its employees are its greatest asset and therefore strives to ensure employees’ satisfaction and motivation through developing and investing in them and harnessing talent for future growth of both the individuals and the Company, providing career progression wherever possible.
In 2014, Hi-Force was awarded the ‘Training and Development’ award at the Northamptonshire Business Awards. Group Managing Director of Hi-Force Kevin Brown, along with Hi-Force Training Manager, Steve Wakelin received the award, from veteran war hero Simon Weston. Commenting on the achievement Brown said, “I particularly wanted this Award because it recognizes and demonstrates the high importance the Company places on the development of our greatest asset, our people! Steven has done an outstanding job, in the past two years, putting together a first class training facility and a spread of training courses, designed specifically for developing both our own employees worldwide, as well as those of our customers and distributors. May I also place on record my thanks to Chris Betts, Head of HR for all of the excellent work she continues to do, in supporting Steven with the development and motivation of our global team.”
Later that year, Hi-Force was named as the regional runner up of the ‘Developing People award’ at the EEF Future Manufacturing awards. The award celebrates the achievements of manufacturers that have done the most to build skills, harness talent and develop employees. The company was selected by a panel of judges drawn from business leaders, industry experts and academics and was up against stiff competition from a range of businesses, small and large, from across the Midlands.