CPD is something to Savery

Concept Chemicals, recognised as Europe's leading manufacturer of quality chemicals for the Professional Vehicle Cleaning and Appearance Conditioning Industry, have revitalised their workforce by giving their staff the opportunity to earn a university qualification without missing a day’s work.

Colin Savery, a 24-year-old Assistant Manager, was a Process Supervisor when his managing Director Peter Elms recommended him for the Continuing Professional Development course in Leadership and Management - now run through the University of Bolton and training provider Skills Solutions.

Colin’s determination to better himself on various up-skilling programmes since he joined the company at 16, convinced Peter of his aptitude for university education: “I was trying to put a management structure in place for the future as I realized our small workforce would grow during the coming years and I did not want to assume the role of a one man band.

“All Colin’s projects were work based. Thanks to his up-skilling he has implemented in-house training courses for our existing employees and fresh starters. This is still ongoing as it has proved very successful and helped the company’s growth – we now have 36 employees.

“In the long run, the content of the university qualification will be hugely beneficial - more so than any other training available - as the modules cover most managerial situations which is something that, even with my mentoring the company could not provide. It also gave him a lot of exposure to dealing with employees and identifying their strengths and weaknesses.”

Colin, who has now progressed on to a Foundation Degree in Management at the University of Bolton while continuing his employment at Concept Chemicals, said: “I’ve seen people on TV getting their cap and gown but I never imagined I could do something like that. I wouldn’t have dreamed it could be me.”

Peter insists his employee’s university education has huge potential for the company: “Colin’s performance has improved even in the short time he has been on the Foundation Degree, to the point that I have given him the position of assistant site manager. He is loyal to the company as he knows he has a great future here. I would certainly use University level training again - it will be treated as a valuable resource for future staff development.”