The Aspiring Managers course, part of the Huws Gray Academy, encourages participants to examine principles of team leadership, effective communication, and managing workplace conflict, as well as successfully developing their own individual management style. The latest course commenced at the start of March this year and has seen the participants complete a series of e-learning modules, attend virtual training sessions, and meet as a group on three occasions to share experiences and complete challenges together.

Commenting on the success of the latest cohort to complete the course, Eddie Hernon, managing director at PDM, said: “It has been a pleasure to witness these colleagues develop and progress over the past few months. They’ve all demonstrated clear aspirations to develop and progress towards management roles and I don’t doubt that we’ll see many future leaders of PDM and Huws Gray amongst those who’ve successfully completed this course today.”

As part of this week’s final session, participants were asked to create their own personal career goal pyramid, consider the factors that motivate them in the workplace and have a positive impact on their mindset, and assess ways in which to manage their professional reputation and personal brand.

One of those who has successfully completed the Aspiring Managers course is Vicki McKenzie, she commented: “Having time away from the day job to consider the different skills required to progress to a position of leadership or management has been really useful and I’ve enjoyed the face-to-face training days and having the chance to meet with colleagues from across the business.

“Completing the online college course (Level 2 - Principles of Team Leading) is the first academic qualification I have completed since leaving school, so even though I found it challenging, it was also very rewarding. It was great to be part of the first Aspiring Managers course, and it’s very encouraging to see the training investment being made by the company and its commitment to promoting from within.”