HR Corner Job security part of the package by Agnes Chan World-leading electronic security solutions provider ablaze with opportunities A constant supply of young, self-motivated and dynamic leaders can help a company secure its place in the intensely competitive marketplace. In view of this, ADT Security Services, a world-leading provider of electronic security solutions, is dedicated to preparing young graduates for management positions and guaranteeing them a professional head start. Since September 2007, the company has operated a one-year Asia management trainee (AMT) programme to provide fresh graduates with a blend of professional training and abundant opportunities to better understand the security business. "The AMT programme aims to groom a number of sales managers and project managers through a series of professional training modules. Roger Tsang, general manager, Hong Kong and Macau, ADT Security Services, says, "Our aim is to nurture trainees to become true cultural fits in our organisation." Holistic perspectives The AMT programme is designed by the company's Asia learning team with input and perspectives on the programme structure from the Asia HR director, business leaders and subject experts. Modules are reviewed by senior managers and departmental managers across Asia, and the revised outlines alongside orientation webinars (live web-based seminars) are presented to all participating managers in the region. The structured programme comprises eight modules. Trainees are required to undergo three compulsory modules before choosing to focus their efforts on developing a sales management or project management based path for the remainder of the training programme. ADT adopts a blended learning approach, which includes online training, instructor-led training and on-the-job training involving the participation of a general manager, line managers and peers. A department manager also acts as a module manager to coordinate activities and assign specific coaches to different functions and on-the-job training. Trainees will also be given a chance to complete a real life project. Career kick-start Throughout the AMT programme, trainees are assessed via a five-pronged system. Firstly, online training provides a skills check and self assessment. This is immediately followed by instructor-facilitated classroom workshops. End-of-programme assessments then follow where trainees receive certificates in recognition of outstanding achievements. Additionally, on-the-job training and on-site performance skill checks feature. Trainees pair with peers to observe performance, provide feedback and complete evaluation forms. Formal application of acquired skills to actual scenarios is also required and peer assessment is mandatory. "A comprehensive trainee programme should provide trainees with unrestricted professional opportunities and a wider corporate perspective" This is then followed by module manager assessment, where trainees present their work and feedback on the assigned activities at the end of each week to module managers for review. Last but not least, mentors evaluate all reports and assess trainees via a monthly interview which is conducted in a casual setting to encourage honest and open discussion. "Trainees not only acquire product knowledge, sales competence, site supervision expertise and contract proficiency, they also build up networking dexterity, business acumen, managerial courage, learning agility, leadership skills, presentational aptitude and flexibility," Mr Tsang reveals. "A comprehensive trainee programme should provide trainees with unrestricted professional opportunities and a wider corporate perspective." Upon successful completion of the programme, trainees will be given the responsibilities of entry-level project managers or sales team leaders. "They are then assessed after a year at work. High performers can expect greater responsibilities as project managers or sales managers, plus opportunities for overseas secondments," explains Mr Tsang. Talented young people with exemplary academic qualifications and leadership potential are encouraged to apply for the AMT programme. Applications from fresh graduates with less than one year's work experience are also welcome. "We are looking for high achievers from engineering or technical fields. Applicants should be proficient in English with excellent interpersonal skills and willing to work overseas. They should also be self-motivated and enthusiastic about embarking on the programme," concludes Mr Tsang. House doctor * Five-pronged assessment mechanism ensures first-rate training results * Mentor reviews encourage honest and open discussion * Post-training review gauges work performance after one year on the job Taken from Career Times 1 August 2008, p. A20 Your comments are welcome at [email protected]