Training

Training and employee development remains an important pillar for harnessing Illovo’s human resource talent and potential. Activities are aimed at satisfying both the current and future business needs in terms of skills supply, whilst also supporting equal opportunities employment and localisation initiatives. Illovo invested approximately £2.4m in this area over the period under review, representing 2.8% of payroll, of which some 12% was used for business alignment workshops, 40% for technical training, 32% for management, supervisory and leadership development, 10% for safety and health awareness and training, and the balance on education issues, including basic adult education programmes. Employee development initiatives include:

• the implementation of internationally accepted safe working practices and healthcare programmes;
• the building of employees’ understanding of the prevailing business context within Illovo. Approximately 19,000 employees attended the group-facilitated business understanding programme;
• 18 students, mainly from the engineering discipline, are furthering their tertiary education supported by Illovo bursaries following which they will be bridged into the management trainee programme upon successful completion of their studies; and
• structured formal technical apprenticeships, with 71 employees presently enrolled across the group.

Each year up to 1,000 of British Sugar’s UK workforce participate in training courses. This involves all levels from senior managers to new apprentices and seasonal workers. Staff are encouraged to acquire relevant business, technical and professional qualifications and pursue continuous professional development in appropriate disciplines. Each year British Sugar invests in up to 100 individuals, including graduates and apprentices, covering NVQs, MBAs and accredited training courses. We also offer financial assistance for further education.

Graduate and apprentice recruitment has proved to be an essential talent pipeline for the business. In contrast to other UK food manufacturers, we have substantially increased our recruitment numbers; since 2004 over 100 graduates and apprentices have joined British Sugar. We recruited a further 38 graduates and apprentices to start work at British Sugar in September 2009. We also run a year-long placement scheme for engineering students in partnership with Loughborough University.

A three-year general management training programme has been set up in south and west Asia, covering all unit management teams and supervisors. 260 managers attended the performance management workshop, and training on teamwork and interpersonal skills was rolled out to the region in the summer of 2010.

Allied Bakeries was pleased that 91% of employees completed the Pulse employee survey this year. Of those who responded, 71% feel involved in and enthusiastic about their work and the business, up from 59% in 2006. Significant improvements were seen in eight of the nine key areas, and we will continue to use this survey to drive real change and make a difference to how people feel at work.