Client buy-in holds key to roll-out of Quadron's new training scheme

The firm has spent £30,000 on a Lantra Awards standards scheme to train some of its staff to instruct other employees in using ride-on mowers.

The 11-day course, in Birmingham, was part of plans to finetune the Quadron workforce's skills. The 17 staff who took part received their certificates at a company event last week, at which they gave feedback on rolling out the training across the company.

During workshop sessions, managers discussed the necessity of preparation time for team members as well as ensuring that courses were planned during winter.

Hammersmith and Fulham contract manager Keith Hall said: "Timing is the key and understanding the technical specifics provides a level of control." Other points raised included the need for client buy-in because staff would be off contract during training days.

David Connolly, who works on one of Quadron's Birmingham contracts in Selly Oak, said the course helped eliminate "bad habits". Ian Fulwell, a construction manager in Yardley, added: "The course provided a specific technical focus."

Training and project manager Elaine Callaghan emphasised: "It is important to raise the company bar to Lantra Awards standards and employees need to recognise expected standards."