Swindon Pressings

Developing people skills in a technically competent population

Swindon Pressings (part of the BMW Group) manufacture automotive body pressings for customers including Nissan, Ford, MG Rover, BMW Group and Honda. They employ approximately 2000 staff, and use temporary labour to balance customer demands. The company identified the need to develop the skills of its managers to deal with an increasingly demanding business environment.

Opportunity

The business recognised that whilst the management population were technically competent there was an opportunity to improve their practical management skills. In addition there were communication barriers between departments. An audience of two hundred process leaders were targeted for the 'Essential Manager' programme.

Action taken by True North

Working closely with the training department at Swindon Pressings, True North contributed significantly to:

• target audience profiling.
• programme and content design.
• development of learning resources and case studies.
• structuring the learning environment with each participating group.
• implementation of specific modules within a broad ranging programme that included communication, interviewing skills, managing conflict, planning, time management and customer focus.

Results

When the programme was launched, prospective delegates were reluctant to participate (perhaps a reflection of the prevailing conditions and morale in the industry). However, now it is established as a reputable programme, staff are eager to attend. In addition, managers above and below the original target audience of process leaders are asking to take part.

The training team at Swindon Pressings (who co-delivered the programme) have developed their skills of design, delivery and programme management. Their profile within the company has risen and they are experiencing better relationships with the internal customers they serve.