In the same year that Somerlap became an Employee Ownership Trust, we have further invested in our staff with an extensive training programme which is reaping rewards.
From job-specific machinery, forklift and sales courses to manual handling, health and safety and first aid, our staff have numerous opportunities to increase and update their knowledge. Supervisors have received management training, enabling them to lead their teams more effectively.
We have also extended our training to enhance employee wellbeing, and have begun offering Mental Health first aid courses to employees wishing to support their colleagues alongside team building sessions at Mendip Activity Centre.
Our transition to an Employee Ownership Trust did not stop when the paperwork was signed, and two of our Trustees (Kelly and Dan) have attended courses run by the Employee Ownership Association (EOA) in recent months. More are planned for other staff in due course, enabling them to play a more active role in the organisation. They also attended an EOA conference in Liverpool at the end of November.
Utilising the resources of colleges and universities in Somerset and further afield has enabled individual staff to upskill significantly, benefiting both Somerlap and their own careers. One staff member has qualified in NEBOSH Health and Safety through a course at Bridgwater College; whilst a member of the joinery team has taken a joinery course at Weston College. Director Kelly Jones has also completed the ‘Help to Grow’ management course at Cardiff University.
