Leeds, UK: Dairy company Arla Foods has launched a bespoke warehouse management development programme to develop skills of its warehouse staff.
The scheme is being trialed at Arla’s National Distribution Centre in Stourton, Leeds. Staff go through a rigorous selection process in order to make it through to the 18-month programme.
“Like most companies, we have previously always recruited externally when looking for warehouse managers as there is a skills gap between operatives and managers,” said Louise Robinson, Arla’s HR officer at Stourton NDC.
“We knew that there were colleagues working in the warehouse that would be able to thrive given the right conditions, and the success of the programme has proven that,” she says.
The programme motivates staff who are now able to see a clear career progression path. Phil Halliwell, at Stourton NDC, who is currently on the programme, recently carried out his first ever interview to recruit warehouse staff, which he carried out alongside a manager.
“Being part of the Arla’s management programme has given me new skills, confidence and the opportunity to be able to take on greater responsibilities,” he says.
Also on the programme are Tony Dales, Bob Morley and Steve O’Brien, all from Leeds.
The programme consists of 23 units and teaches a variety of skills in areas such as performance management, operational understanding, leadership, finance and health and safety.
