Staff development and training

Training is the process of enabling employees to develop the skills which enable them to better contribute to meeting the organisation's objectives. For Audi this includes acquiring the skills that enable employees to deliver its brand values and to keep abreast with technological change. In contrast, development is concerned with enabling individuals to meet their own personal needs - e.g. for more education. More often than not personal development needs can be tied into organisational objectives.

Audi have developed an approach to training and development that meets the individual needs of employees. Audi has its own Centre of Technical Excellence where employees are able to improve their knowledge and skills.

There are a number of steps involved in the training process. It begins with an appraisal by a line manager to identify training and development needs. The trainee is then able to work alongside a professional consultant for a training or development activity or attend a course. At the end of the training session, a number of objectives are established for the trainee, these will enable him/her to further develop the desired skills. Trainees then apply the skills in the workplace over a three month period. Providing they can demonstrate evidence of the required skills and abilities, they receive a certificate/course qualification.

A multimedia based TNA (Training Needs Analysis) tool is available on the Technician's Multimedia PC, enabling them to produce a Personal Development Plan automatically.

The emphasis placed on training and development at Audi means that:

• Audi UK benefits from having highly skilled Technicians who are able to enhance the Audi Brand

• dealerships benefit from having high quality, enterprising and motivated employees who are confident, independent and provide a high quality service

• customers benefit from knowing that they will always come first, and that their expectations are exceeded by highly skilled Technicians and other Audi Centre team members

• employees benefit through the identification of their development needs, and then developing the skills that enable them to become more effective and motivated.