An innovative program at Maitland City Council, the New Horizons Program, is providing employees with a more holistic understanding of the role and functions of each business group inside and outside of Council. This annual year long training program is undertaken by 15 Council employees selected on the basis of merit, across the professional, technical and trades based areas of Council.
The program is aimed at bridging the gap between the professional, trades and technical areas undertaken by Local Government employees.
“It also aims to develop employees’ management potential,” said Maitland City Council’s General Manager, David Evans.
Each participant undertakes a selection of training modules, covering communication, team leadership, time management, and leadership.
“The program includes both internal and external presenters, as well as combining flexible special components,” said the New Horizons Coordinator, Belinda Clements. “The participant can chose various interdepartmental visits, select another Council anywhere in NSW to visit and gain a more holistic understanding of Local Government.”
A key component of the New Horizons Program is the Sunrise Award to the most valuable participant in the Program. The winner receives training to the value of $1,000. The Award itself is peer selected, whereby participants evaluate the qualities, values and positive contribution to the Program of their fellow participants.
Council hopes this Program will equip employees with knowledge, skills and confidence to provide a more responsive and informed level of customer service.
For further information, contact Belinda Clements on (02) 4934 9761.
