Training and Development - Week 22 & 23

Induction Programme For Graduates

The purpose of induction is to make sure staff are integrated into an organisation so that both parties benefit. The induction programme allows graduates to make contacts who may assist them later and provides a good platform to start their career.

An induction programme for new graduate entrants for a retail chain could include the following:

Day 1 - Welcome the graduates followed by:

1) Orientation (physical) - describes where facilities are. Graduates are advised of their job role and the department/office they will based in.

2) Health and safety - this is a legal requirement and covers things such as what to do in the event of a fire and the procedures to be followed.

3) Orientation (organisational) - shows how the graduate fits into the team and how their role fits in with the organisations strategy and goals.

Day 2 - Includes:

4) Details of the organisations history, its products, services, culture and values - This ensures the graduate receives information about the organisation.

5) A clear outline of the job requirements are explained.

6) Guest speakers - to include senior managers from across the business who will welcome the graduates and tell them about the direction the company is going in.

Remainder of the week:

7) The graduates will be introduced to retail stores including meeting people in different roles to gain insight into how the retail operation works.

Induction week closes with a motivational speaker:

The induction programme will be held at a regional management training centre.

The effectiveness of the programme

To see how effective the induction week is candidates can initially be given questionnaires to complete which then can be assessed. Long term effectivness can be measured by the number of graduates who stay with the company.

The purpose of the induction is to give positive image of the business as these graduates will be store managers at the end of their 2 year training programme. Most graduates are assigned a mentor who is often a senior manager or director. The mentor's role is to give valuable on going advice on the graduates career goals and how best to achieve them.

Reference List:

Your M&S [online]. Available from: http://corporate.marksandspencer.com/mscareers/opportunities/graduates [Accessed 29th of April 2010].

Graduate Training and Induction Programme [online]. Available from: http://www.exxonmobil.com/Australia-English/HR/About/AU_HR_induction.asp [Accessed 29th of April 2010].

FSA [online]. Available from: http://www.fsagraduates.com/GraduateProgrammes.aspx [Accessed 29th of April 2010].

Tesco [online]. Available from: http://www.tesco-graduates.com/home/programmes [Accessed 29th of April 2010].