Lakesmere builds a quality workforce for the future: Managers learn to see things from other people's points of view

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe an award‐winning training program at Scottish building contractor Lakesmere.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explores the reasons for the program, the form it takes and the results it has achieved.

Findings

The paper explains that the company constructed its own purpose‐built training center as a base for much of the so‐called Team Lakesmere training, which aims to boost quality practice among the labor force, reduce annual costs resulting from remedial work, improve health and safety and provide the labor force with recognized qualifications and transferable skills.

Practical implications

The paper highlights a 50 percent improvement in health and safety and 66 percent fall in reporting of injuries, diseases and dangerous occurrences.

Social implications

The paper reveals that the company has kept up its commitment to training despite the recession.

Originality/value

The paper describes how, unusually for this type of program, a number of the firm's subcontractors were invited to take part in the training.

Citation

(2012), "Lakesmere builds a quality workforce for the future: Managers learn to see things from other people's points of view", Human Resource Management International Digest, Vol. 20 No. 2, pp. 16-18. https://doi.org/10.1108/09670731211208139