Saudi Arabian chemical company SABIC, which has Teesside bases in Wilton and on the North Tees Site has signed up 30 of its employees onto Teesside University’s new management masterclass series.
The masterclass series is designed to help grow the capabilities of middle managers and covers a wide variety of topics; from effective communication and mentoring, to motivational team leadership and HR basics.
SABIC sees the series as an ideal way to boost the skills of its workforce and further strengthen its ties with Teesside University.
Kathryn Harper, Learning and Development Manager at SABIC said: 'With 30 employees having signed up for one or more module, the range of personal development we’ll see across all areas will be quite significant. 'The beauty of the masterclass series is that individuals can pick and choose which modules suit their needs. Highly trained and developed managers are key to the success of our business and our ability to achieve our aims.'
Kathryn added: 'Giving individuals the opportunity to grow and develop, through masterclasses such as these, means that they see SABIC as a company in which they can stay long term and build a long and rewarding career.'
As well as individual benefits for employees, SABIC can also see the long term benefits for the company in its partnership with Teesside University.
Kathryn said: 'It’s extremely important for employers to be building relationships with our local university. Collectively we have to consider the wider implications of the future skills we need for the chemical industry within the region.'
SABIC have so far enjoyed a fruitful partnership with the University, engaging in a management development programme for first line managers and drop-in sessions covering a range of topics; both created by Teesside University, bespoke to SABIC’s policies and procedures.
The company also sent six graduate engineers on the University’s early years workshops, covering topics on effective communication and time management and took on Teesside University Student of the Year award winner Stephen Hornsey in 2011 in the role of Graduate Instrument Engineer, a position he still holds today.
Kathryn added: 'Employers have to identify what they need and then through working with educational establishments we can provide those skills locally. A joined up approach is essential if the chemical industry is to continue to prosper on Teesside.'