Lasershape, the Nottingham-based CNC profiling specialist, is taking part in a training programme that has already seen 12 of its staff gain ILM (Institute of Leadership and Management) Level III qualifications. This started just over a year ago, when Lasershape asked Evolution Training — one of Derbyshire’s largest providers of ILM qualifications — to develop a bespoke training programme.

Evolution Training associate Geoff Merriman said: “We’re specialists in developing the various stages of management, including senior managers, middle management, team leaders and so on. Training programmes such as the one developed for Lasershape hinge around the actual job and combine workshops with intensive assessments.”

Comprising one full day of on-site workshops every month, the ILM Level III course includes assessments, one-to-one support and “challenging assignments that must either resolve a problem or aid business growth.” At the end, each course participant had to deliver a presentation to the Lasershape board.

Due to the success of the course, Lasershape decided to introduce an ILM Level II course for first-line managers, such as production team leaders. Eight employees are currently part-way through this course, which is due to conclude in September; it involves one half-day workshop per month.

Lasershape director Tim Leam said: “Since we acquired the services of Evolution Training, I’ve seen a real difference, not just in the people who have completed the courses but also in the business itself. I’m very pleased with those who have embraced the idea of personal and commercial improvement; it’s yet another initiative that helps to set us apart from our competitors.”