1 November 2007
"I left behind my much loved job in London for my more loved husband in Bristol" said Mandie. "When Fast Track was launched I was intrigued like everyone else - but it never crossed my mind that I'd be good enough to go on it".
DSTi Output places great value on training its employees, at all levels throughout the business. Fast Track is the brain child of forward thinking CEO Tim Delahay and is designed to provide selected employees with an overview of the essential elements of a business. Based on in-depth personal development, the course is aimed at helping the delegates become directors of the future.
Seven criteria for success were identified by Tim and Training & Development Manager Jon Ward in order to help recognise the most deserved employees to undertake the course. The key criteria identified includes: Energy, ambition, commitment to personal development, challenging the norm, innovative vision coupled with pragmatic analysis, willingness to stand accountable for decisions and the ability to influence business culture.
Senior managers throughout the business must nominate employees who best meet the criteria. A tough selection process occurs to make sure the new delegates understand what is expected as the course is intensive and needs dedication from all involved.
Mandie continues: "It came as a surprise when I was nominated by my manager for a place on the second Fast Track intake - at first I thought there was some sort of mistake. Not only was it way above my league but I just didn't have an academic back ground - or any inclination for that type of learning."
Delivered through eight modules designed to provide skills in key business areas, the course has been completely developed in house by DSTi Output. The modules include;
* Strategic Leadership which teaches style and culture, roles and responsibilities
* High Impact Presentations
* Legal skills including contract and employee law
* Finance including balance sheets, reporting results and accounting principles
* Production learning how to run a productive manufacturing environment
* Sales understanding buyer motivation, selling skills and closing techniques
* Marketing including branding, campaigns and demographics
* Personal Effectiveness teaches the delegates essential self-management techniques such as time management and preparation
The "apprentice-esq" training also involves ad-hoc tasks, which can be sprung on them at any point, from selling to the public to preparing a luxury meal in a busy kitchen.
"Before long it was explained to me that the exams and assignments are only part of the course - the most important parts are the challenges set by Tim. Each challenge was designed to teach and develop new skills and how to deal with new issues. For example, for our sales challenge we were given a budget to buy goods, adapt them and sell them on. This type of direct selling really took me out of my comfort zone, but I learned quickly and in fact, I was the most successful sales person that day."
Throughout the 18 month scheme, delegates spend time working within each key area of the business completing a PC based ‘Business Simulation' task after certain key stages to test the skills they have learnt by building a virtual business from scratch. Exams, taken at the end of the course, also test retention of knowledge learned.
"The fact that we cover all different areas of the business has made me more aware of different issues - and improved my relationships across the company. Plus I feel special - more than just an employee. Tim devotes a great deal of time and energy to Fast Track and that makes you feel good about yourself, like he's noticed something in you which helps to push you to achieve your potential. I'm certain that I wouldn't have been prepared for promotion before the Fast Track course, but now I am the Account Manager for one of our biggest clients."
Bristol Business School has officially recognised the training scheme and has helped to design a final module which the graduates can use as credit towards a BA in Business Leadership.
