AO Logistics Wins Innovative Training Programme 2019

Launched in 2013, AO Logistics’ STAR Programme was launched and created in order to identify where their current talent lay. Judges were convinced that this well-constructed talent training programme inspires professionals to develop and grow in their careers, and so, they picked up the title for Innovative Training Programme at the Talent in Logistics Awards 2019.

The 12-month programme was designed to be a self-actualisation initiative for keen AO’ers who want to develop their soft skills, business acumen and to become the best version of themselves that they can be.

As AO was growing, they had been successful in spotting and up-skilling their workforce, but needed a platform for their current talent to be recognised. Those enrolled on the programme were given the opportunity to be involved in mater-classes delivered by the senior team, team-working activities and charity fundraising projects. Over the course of the 12 months, employees are then congratulated for their efforts via the STAR Programme Graduation and Awards.

The stand out qualities and purpose for this programme is for AO’s talented people to be the best that they can be. Speaking to Helen Hookway, Head of People & Development for AO, on the night of the awards, she was delighted to pick up the Innovative Training Programme award on behalf of AO and said: “It feels amazing to win this award because we are incredibly proud of our STAR programme. It has been running for six years now and is an internally designed programme which promotes our culture and values at its core.

“We have had some amazing successes with ‘STAR’, seeing 65 internal promotions from 63 graduates including discovering over two thirds of our depot Managers in AO’ers who have completed the programme. To date, 81% of our STAR graduates have remained with AO. Our STARS have also raised over £80,000 for local charities as part of their “giving something back” challenge. STAR is going from strength to strength and has become a key element of our internal talent management strategy. We add and take away elements every year to keep it current and fresh, and we hope that it will run for many years to come.”

If you believe that your talent training programme inspires professionals to develop and grow in the workplace, then it’s time to enter the Talent in Logistics Awards 2020 Innovative Training Programme category. Entry dates for the 2020 Awards will be announced in the upcoming months. Find out more about the category here.