Training Magazine Europe April 2015 | Page 27

Consideration 3 – Location.

Go for a programme that brings together young employees from other local employers so that your employees can start to build a local business network, as well as a supportive cohort with whom they can discuss issues that arise as they start applying their new knowledge and skills.

Ideally the location will be commutable from your office network, as well as a supportive cohort with whom they can discuss issues that arise as they start applying their new knowledge and skills. Ideally the location will be commutable from your office.

Consideration 4 – Experienced Instructors.

See that the instructors are experienced business people who can bring their career experiences into the classroom.

If they have employed young people before then they can better understand the journey your young employees are on.

In summary, the benefits of offering a graduate-style young employee development programme

are significant and will pay substantial dividends. As an employer it will enable you to attract good calibre graduates / candidates who will contribute to the future growth of your company.

Your young employee knows they will be invested in for the long-term, and that their career will be given a solid foundation on which to build their future.

Gary Weinstein is the founder of Akonia. Their GradStart™ business and soft skills development programme is making young employees more effective.

www.akonia.com/gradstart