University leadership programme nominated for national award

Teesside University’s work to develop the industry leaders of tomorrow has been shortlisted for a prestigious award.

The University is a finalist in the Provider of the Year category at the national Cogent Science Industry Skills Awards.

The awards scheme recognises apprentices, individuals, providers and employers who have excelled in contributing to the development of skills across the science sectors.

They showcase and celebrate the achievements of those who have: • exceeded expectations and shown a dynamic approach to training • demonstrated initiative and enterprise, innovation and creativity • shown an understanding and commitment to the improvement of skills development.

The University has been shortlisted as a result of its Leadership Accelerator Programme which has worked with several industry partners, including Lotte Chemical, Sembcorp, Huntsman, Cordell Group and GrowHow, to enable talented graduates in the region’s key industries to fulfil their potential.

The two-year course was designed for graduates in the engineering and manufacturing sectors who have degrees in a related discipline but no formal management training.

Participants spend two days per quarter on the programme and undertake a variety of specially tailored modules in subjects such as self-management, human resources and performance management, communication and critical thinking.

Dr Sue Smith, who heads up Teesside University’s Professional Leadership and Management programmes, said: 'We are delighted to have received this nomination.

'The Leadership Accelerator has been specially developed, in conjunction with our industry partners, to develop a flexible learning model which meets the real needs of an ever-changing business climate.

'We provide real life problem based learning and case studies in order to apply the learning back to the workplace.

'Since the programme started a year ago, it has demonstrated a positive impact for all of the businesses.'

Stephen Trillo, Human Resources & Organisation Development Director, at Lotte Chemical, said: 'The Leadership Accelerator Programme has not only achieved all our goals, but taken active learning to a new level, providing building blocks that our leaders of tomorrow require to be successful.

'It is now firmly embedded into our core development programme for Lotte and is highly valued by the business.'

The Cogent Science Skills Awards will take place at the Montcalm Hotel in London on 7 May.

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