Logistics Managers Complete Upskilling Programme

February 18, 2021

Twenty-two A.F. Blakemore logistics colleagues have successfully completed a new learning & development programme online.

In February 2020 A.F. Blakemore launched a brand-new Logistics Middle Managers Upskilling Programme to provide the logistics management team with the right tools and techniques to effectively lead a cultural step change within the company’s logistics operation.

The course initially launched in the classroom but went online as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

AFB Business Improvement Officer David Cartwright commented: “The course was developed in-house so is completely bespoke to A.F. Blakemore.

“It was built around our Leading the Blakemore Way programme, with deeper insight into some core leadership skills such as coaching, delegation, time management and building relationships.

“The delegates participating came from depots across all parts of the company’s group logistics operation, which really encouraged cross-divisional working.”

The programme was supported by Group Customer Services Manager Carl O’Connor and HR Business Partner Liz Blakemore, who ran an HR clinic.

Supply Chain Director Ranald Forbes introduced all modules to provide business updates and demonstrate ongoing support for the programme.

Delegates’ line managers also actively supported the course by reviewing their activity in the workplace before and after each module.

David added: “Despite the delivery model being adapted from a classroom to online format, feedback from the learners has been really positive and confirms that the original desired learning outcomes for the programme have been successfully achieved.

“Delegates clearly demonstrated commitment to applying the learning in the workplace.”
 

Some of the positive comments from course attendees included:

"I gained an extreme amount from the lessons over the course, and they further backed up my learnings to this point. I can go forward and start implementing and expanding this knowledge."

"I have always found the facilitator easy to speak to and very helpful. I have been able to be myself and learn from the facilitator by them being truthful and giving helpful feedback and coaching."

"I believe I can take a lot away from this. I have found tools that may be useful in the way I approach and speak to staff, which may help my communication moving forward."

"I am extremely pleased to have been able to take part in the sessions. I feel richly rewarded and will endeavour to put all learnings into practice."

"I already feel more confident in myself and that I have the skills necessary to apply what I have learnt."

Pictured above:

Clockwise starting from top left: delegates Chris Bryan, Stewart Davies, Martin Philp and Joe Suggitt, Kieran Morgan, John Pryce, Tony Griffiths and Sam Tomlinson

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