Putting First Line Management into Practice: A training programme for supervisors and team leaders – McRaes Engineering (2011)
This is a workplace based programme for supervisors, team leaders and first line managers- people with responsibility for staff, and who have generally come from a background of technical expertise rather than people management.
The programme features are:
• a customised learning programme based on discussions with the company about staff training requirements
• linked directly to the company’s strategic direction and business plan
• delivered in the workplace to keep costs down and limits staff down-time
• using practical daily work examples and situations
• addressing literacy and numeracy demands as required
The content of the programme covers:
• Interpersonal Communication Skills
• Managing a team
• Leading a team
• Building a Positive Workplace Culture
The programme combines a mix of group and one-on-one individualised training sessions to develop the particular skills the staff member or the organisation has identified as requiring development. It has been designed to be delivered over a five week period.
Workplace Communication skills - Cairnfield House (2011-)
Cairnfield House is a large resthome in Whangarei, which has recently started a workplace literacy project with Venture Group. Five employees are working on a mixture of spelling, business writing, ESOL related learning, numeracy and work related to industry qualifications. Training sessions are one to one and are managed around employees' shifts.
Cairnfield is a very welcoming environment, with management strongly supportive of personal development for staff. The training is resulting in solid gains for the employees.
Workplace Literacy & Numeracy - Bunnings Warehouse (2011- )
An Australian owned company, Bunnings welcomed the opportunity for its Whangarei branch staff to be upskilled in literacy, language, numeracy and workplace communications.
While Bunnings offers a comprehensive staff development programme, the company could see the need for individual staff to gain more confidence in their level of communication so that they could fulfill the training demands of the Bunnings in-house training.
After initial contact in early 2010, Venture Group conducted a workplace needs assessment with a targeted group of employees and started working with 3 staff twice a week for 24 weeks.
Six weeks into the programme the Administration Support Coordinator could already see vast improvements in these 3 employees and since then an additional three staff are now part of the training.
Improving numeracy skills - Rudolphs Limited (2011 - )
Rudolphs was established almost 40 years ago in Whangarei and specialises in the Abrasive Blasting and Coating area, including Marine Blasting. The company has completed major projects on both local and international vessels for a number of key marine clients.
Venture Group used the national literacy online assessment tool at Rudolphs this year, and this raised a high level of interest and motivation amongst the team. Venture Group is now working one-to-one with 14 employees - the majority of Rudolpohs staff.
Much of the work is around numeracy. In particular, understanding the principles behind the numeracy-related work that staff are doing – for example, percentages, and interpreting data sheets. Said one staff member:
‘I even used some of what we learned about fractions when I was calculating the amount of thinner we needed to add.’
Venture Group is also assisting staff working on ITO related material to better understand the contents of the training material.
Because such a high proportion of Rudolphs staff are involved in the training, they often talk about it over smoko, sharing tips, and good naturedly ‘competing’ with each other about their learning.
The programme has made staff far more aware, for example, about the complexity of costing a job and, more generally, of the impact that improved literacy and numeracy can have on business productivity.
Literacy and Numeracy Training - Avon Industries (2011)
Avon is a successful local hot-dip galvanizing, productive engineering / blast and paint facility that can handle almost any engineering project from plan through production to professional galvanised finish.
Avon is a family-owned and operated business which was established in Whangarei in the 1940s and now employs approximately thirty staff. It is the only galvanising plant north of Auckland.
Venture Group tailored a programme to fit staff requirements, including training in computer literacy with work applications, numeracy focussed on measurement, calculation of area and volume, fractions, decimals and percentages, more effective reading skills for understanding and recall.
Venture Group worked with eight production staff members and sessions were held one-to-one or in pairs to minimise the impact on productivity in a small and busy company.
Results from the programme have been rewarding, with one of the team in particular making huge progress in numerical ability and confidence, to the extent that the rest of the team and his supervisor have all noticed a change in him and his work.
Comments from staff when asked for their thoughts on the best things about the programme include: "Gaining confidence in doing something I have never been familiar with." (learning computing) "Noticing significant changes in staff performance."
Other comments include: "Very professional." "I'm happier to give things a go - paperwork etc." "It's good to be able to help my two girls to learn to read and spell."
Richard Fisher, the owner-operator of Avon, takes a personal interest in the training, and says that the morale of staff who participated on the programme has lifted and they all enjoy the training opportunity.
Training with Avon staff will be completed at the end of 2011.
Workplace Communication - Switzer Residential Care (2010 - )
Kaitaia-based Switzer Trust provides residential care for 72 older people. This includes RestHome Care; Hospital Care; Respite Care; Carer-Support; and Day Care.
Venture Group started working with the first group of Switzer employees in 2010 and Jackie Simkins, Manager of the Switzer facility, has been delighted with the results of the training.
"When we were first approached by Venture Group and asked to consider being involved in a Workplace Literacy Programme, we were very unsure about how it could be implemented in our workplace environment. Unfortunately our funding does not allow us to pay high wages and the cost to pay each employee for 40 hours of training would have been prohibitive. We could see that the benefits may be very significant, not only to improve workplace communications but to grow the confidence and self esteem of our employees, which in the future may lead to increased opportunities for them. In consultation with our staff a compromise was agreed, they would attend the sessions in their own time and if they completed the programme they would receive a bonus, and so the first trial project began.
Personally, I have been ‘blown away’ by the outcome. The increased confidence, competence and self esteem of those staff who have completed the first course is demonstrated every day by their positive participation and communication in this workplace. I have no doubt that the benefits for each participant will enhance their personal lives. We look forward to continuing to work with the positive, committed team at Venture Group."
Jackie Simkins, Manager
Assistance with Industry Training - Northpine (2010-11)
Northpine is a medium sized sawmilling operation based at Waipu, 30 minutes south of Whangarei. Northpine cuts, kiln dries and treats radiata pine to supply the local market and to export to Australia.
With a staff of approximately 40 and operating in an industry with a challenging economic environment, the company needs to ensure that staff productivity is maximised.
Venture Group worked with Northpine staff, designing and delivering individual, specialised literacy and numeracy training, with a focus on improving understanding of industry training material. Northpine has a strong commitment to training, and all production staff are given the opportunity to work towards at least a Level 2 certificate in Wood Manufacturing through FITEC.
11 staff members were supported through Unit Standards, through assistance with higher level reading skills and with numeracy skills. All commented that they would not have had the confidence or ability to tackle this industry training without being on the programme.
Gaylene Wilson from Northpine commented on the day of the FITEC Awards night:
'I am quite sure that without help from Anne from Venture Group a lot of these employees would not be graduating tonight.'
Numeracy and Literacy Assistance - Hynds (2010-11)
Part of the Hynds Group, the Hynds Pipe Systems Manufacturing site in Whangarei specialises in precast concrete for civil and rural application, for example, concrete water tanks.
The work undertaken by Venture Group supported a Hynds company-wide project to build staff capability across their branches.
In Whangarei, Venture Group worked with 4 employees on a one-to-one basis, so that staff could be released without affecting work flow. The training had a strong focus on numeracy, as staff have to use quantity measurement and geometry skills when constructing the water tanks.
Staff comments:
“I’ve developed more confidence in maths.”
“I’m understanding what I’m doing more.”
“My understanding with numbers is better for my job.”
Business outcomes from the training included improved understanding of written and verbal instructions, and higher skill levels in numeracy related tasks. All the participants were noted as taking more responsibility for their actions.
Venture Group also supported the Team Leader to strengthen his skills so that he can run and lead meetings effectively.
Growing literacy skills - Rosvall Sawmill Ltd (2010-11)
Rosvall Sawmill Ltd is a modern Lumber/Timber Processing Sawmill, specialising in cutting Pruned Radiata Pine, targeting clearwood production and a variety of board and moulding grades. The mill services both national and international markets.
Venture Group worked with Rosvall’s staff in 2010-11, primarily on literacy, numeracy and basic computing skills. The 4 participants had different needs related to their ITO industry qualifications and work.
Comments from the guys show the value of the training to both themselves and the company:
"Now more familiar and confident doing multiplication, subtraction, addition and division and fractions."
"Some of what I’ve learned I can apply to my work and daily living."
"Balanced learning and it's easy to understand the method or tasks because of how Maria explains it. She's done heaps."
Developing literacy skills - Winstone Aggregates (2010)
"I just believe in everybody getting the chance to learn if they want to."
Selwyn Dodd, Winstones supervisor
Winstone Aggregates is New Zealand's largest manufacturer and distributor of aggregates to the roading industry, specialising in Roading, Concrete Aggregates, Drainage, Landscaping, Sand Bulkfill, and fill for Farm Maintenance.
The work Anne Mattin from Venture Group did with 10 staff at Winstones mainly involved helping to develop their numeracy and computer skills in relation to the workplace's requirements.
For a lot of the guys, school was a bad experience, and the programme was a great opportunity for them to have individual, targeted training.
Assistance with completing qualifications - Golden Bay Cement (2010)
Golden Bay Cement is New Zealand's largest cement manufacturer and supplies a range of cement products to markets around New Zealand and the Pacific.
Venture Group worked with 7 employees at Golden Bay cement's two quarrying operations. Training occurred one-to-one due to the nature of the work, and was focused on helping the staff to complete national EXITO qualifications and to gain the computing skills that are now required for daily maintenance tasks.
Business feasibility study - Novel Design Ltd (2009)
Identification of potential markets and customers; design and delivery of survey/questionnaire; identification and assessment of competition, risk factors and possible risk mitigation; drafting of report.
Funding and quality research - Evolution School of Holistic Therapies (2009)
Investigating the organisation’s eligibilty for TEC Student Achievement Component funding and Student Allowances and the Student Loan Scheme.
Development of Occupational Health Nurse training package - Company Health Services (2009)
Design of course outline and modularised content format, delivery options, assessment options and overall project management plan to meet identified need for this training in the Northland region.
Ruakaka Community Hub Project - Griffiths and Associates (2008 –2009)
Venture Group was engaged to develop funding and sponsorship proposals for a major new community facility development in the growing Ruakaka/One Tree Point / Marsden Point area. The development is costed at $1.3 million (build only) with a further $600,000 required for fit-out. The complex included a new Whangarei District Council service centre, a new library, community meeting space, and a visitor information centre. Venture Group worked with Griffiths and Associates, the project managers, along with a steering group of district councillors, local people and specialist service people to put together proposals to generate the remaining funding required for the hub project to commence.
Foundation learning application - Regent Training Centre (2009)
Assistance with three applicatons for Foundation Learning Pool Literacy and Numeracy funding to the Tertiary Education Commission.
Literacy and Numeracy Training - Hansen Products (2008 -2009)
From a small husband and wife operation that started in the family garage 60 years ago, Hansen Products is now a family owned company that designs, manufactures and distributes pipe fittings, valves and irrigation systems for rural farming, plumbing, pipe fitting industries, nurserymen & home gardeners.
With a range of over 1000 different products, and a staff of 44, the company supplies a large proportion of the New Zealand market and exports many of its products to a growing international marketplace.
Venture Group worked with 22 Hansen employees in the manufacturing and packaging sections of the operation over a 24 week period on a one on one basis.
Because of the sophistication of the machinery used and the level of complexity in the work, good numeracy is critical - interpreting measurement on gauges, tallying, and inputting accurate data into the computerized systems are examples of the type of work being done.
Hansen products had just brought in a new system to manage stock control. Correct and legible written communications is critical to succesful operation of this new system.
Comments from staff on the value of programme:
• ‘Feel more confident with spelling, more aware of words.’
• ‘Found it useful from day one.’
• ‘I have more confidence in myself now and don’t shy away from a maths problem.’
• ‘It’s awesome that the company is supporting this programme.’
Options for future development - Aramoana Adventures (2008)
Report for adventure tourism /outdoor education focused Maori business into options to extend the scope of their future work.
Literacy and numeracy training - Silver Fern Farms (2008)
Silver Fern Farms (formerly PPCS Richmonds meatworks) is New Zealand’s leading procurer, processor and marketer of sheep, lamb, beef and venison, with 21 plants throughout New Zealand including one in Dargaville, some 80 km west of Whangarei.
The Dargaville plant employs up to 250 staff at the peak of the season. Many of these staff are returning employees, including a significant number of Tongan staff who have made Dargaville their home.
Venture Group provided literacy and numeracy assistance to employees throughout 2008. The number of ESOL employees and shift work added complexity to this project. The training had to be one-on-one, as “the chain has to keep going!” Timing of the training was designed to span the mid-afternoon shift change.
Venture Group worked mainly with Tongan men on the chain. These men had the technical skills required, but lacked the confidence in language to contribute to meetings and generally take more responsibility or move into leadership roles. The training included understanding the meaning and use of specialist workplace vocabulary, and help to become confident with entering text into a computer.
The programme achieved clear results, with measurable improvements in reading (nearly 70%), writing and numeracy.
The success of workplace literacy projects is always dependent on the active support of supervisors and management, and at Silver Fern Farms Dargaville the Plant Manager, Training Manager and Floor Manager were all very involved in the programme.
With the project also forming part of an action research-based evaluation by the Department of Labour’s Upskilling Programme Office, it was truly a collaborative initiative.
Social and Economic Transformation: a major regional initiative - Te Uri o Hau Settlement Trust (2008)
A significant multidimensional project involving consultation with key stakeholders (NIF) re organisational capability, labour supply/demand and strategies to maximise potential developments for the benefit of both Te Uri o Hau and the entire Northland region.
Next steps : developing options with education sector, exploring further options - Culture North (2008)
Literacy in the Workplace - Ballance Agri-Nutrients (2007)
Ballance Agri-Nutrients Limited is one of New Zealand's leading fertiliser specialists.
Venture Group worked with staff at the Northland manufacturing plant of this national employer throughout 2007.
The first step was to undertake a training needs analysis of staff workplace literacy skills. This involved comprehensive group and one to one assessment of workplace literacy, numeracy and communication skill learning needs.
Following this, an on-site workplace literacy skills training programme was designed and delivered for 14 staff, based on individualised training plans specific to each employee’s learning needs.
Dave Watson, Operations Manager, said that the training had resulted in individual employees having greater understanding of the maths behind the data sheets they use on a daily basis.
“This understanding has resulted in less mistakes being made when entering data. We have also noticed that others who have participated in this programme have become more positive in their attitude to work.”
Scoping report: options for linking with the education sector in Northland - Culture North (2007)
Two reports repositioning a cultural tourism product to maximise openings in the creative /performing arts arena within secondary and tertiary education in Northland, nationally and internationally.
On-site Literacy Training - Culham Engineering (2006 -2007)
A major Northland company, Culham Engineering specialises in the Heavy Engineering, Petro-Chemical and Marine/Ship Repair industries. Established in 1958, the business is a family owned and operated business, boasting one of the largest fabrication facilities in New Zealand, and employing over 200 people.
Culhams were particularly interested in workplace literacy skills training to assist their younger employees.
To this end, Venture Group designed and delivered an on-site workplace training programme, based on individualised plans that targeted the work-related and study requirements specific to each employee. All six employees were working towards completion of the National Certificate in Engineeering.
Workplace Literacy Training - Barfoote Group (2006-2007)
The Barfoote Group (formerly Barfoote Construction) builds structures for clients in the commercial / industrial, infrastructure, agricultural and specialist residential markets. The company has in-house capabilities in precast concrete, structural steel and construction project management. Barfootes offer a range of solutions from complete design and build packages, to supply of specialised components only and have a vast portfolio of a range of projects.
With a staff of 40 including 8 in the precast section, numeracy skills and team work are of utmost importance.
Over 2006 and 2007, Venture Group undertook a workplace literacy skills learning needs assessment. This was followed up with delivery of a 24 week workplace literacy skills training programme to 27 employees from across the company. The programme involved one to one delivery, 2 days per week which was a total of 480 hours of training.
Venture Group then facilitated a Performance Development Review process with 16 employees.
Dennis Maconaghie, the General Manager of Barfootes at that time commented:
'We are very happy with the work done. Very professional approach by Gill and Jill. Would be happy to recommend/refer your company to others for this type of thing.'
Winning Management - People Potential Ltd (2005 –2006)
Investigating the feasibility of repackaging a middle management training tool for online delivery.
E-Grow Northland Project: Project application, management and implementation - Regent Training Centre (2004-2005)
Preparation of a successful $400,000 application to the Tertiary Education Commission’s e-CD Fund, a joint venture between Regent Training Centre, People Potential, and Te Aupouri Maori Trust Board. Implementation of training needs analysis, staff training, website development, ongoing advisory role to all aspects of the project, liaison with Enterprise Northland, Northland Polytechnic and other external stakeholders on behalf of 15 Northland PTEs.
