Bradfords takes the Fast Track on training

Bradfords Building Supplies has ramped up its training activity for managers at all levels across the company, including intensive mentoring support for managers of the future.

Limitless Leader is a new programme aimed at developing strong leadership practices – from the senior management team through to branch managers – and looks at how good leadership qualities can inform all aspects of a manager’s role.

Limitless Leader will also be incorporated into Bradfords’ Fast Track course – a one-year intensive training initiative for those with aspirations to progress their careers into management level.

Bradfords FastTrack develops 12 potential managers each year, putting them through a series of training and management workshops, culminating in a three-month business-related project which is delivered to the company’s Group Board. The company has recently launched Fast Track 2022 and those selected this year include sales advisors Georgie Sansom from Bradfords’ Honiton branch and Zoe Harvey in Dorchester.

To secure a spot on the FastTrack programme, participants are first nominated by a manager, then put through their paces at an assessment day. From there the FastTrack cohort is selected to undergo an extensive programme of study, training and workshops covering everything from understanding leadership and management, to commercial awareness and diversity.

Participants are tasked with investigating a significant company challenge, with a view to developing proposals to make tangible improvements to the business. Last year’s Fast Track cohort recently completed the programme after presenting their findings and recommendations to the board.

Lynda Moore, head of talent & development at Bradfords Building Supplies, said: “We recognise that our strength is our people; their knowledge and expertise ensure we are a successful business. In the same way we see the Bradfords Apprenticeship Programme laying the foundations for many of our employees’ careers, FastTrack is about continuing that growth path and enabling our people to reach their full potential within the business – and Limitless Leader helps our managers develop skills they need to lead their teams in the best way they can.”

David Young, CEO of Bradfords Building Supplies, added: “Our training programmes are a key element of our ‘grow our own’ strategy. The shortage of skills within the entire breadth of the construction ecosystem is no secret and there’s a real fight for talent.  It is hugely important to us that, in a very competitive marketplace, we attract people that want to grow their careers with us for the long term.”