The City of Stirling is striving in its effort to become a learning organisation. Having recently introduced a new performance management tool and a competency framework, the City is focusing its efforts on introducing a blended learning approach to development within the City.
This approach will enable employees to embrace new ways of learning, rather than just relying on the traditional method of development by attending workshops and training courses.
As everyone has a preferred style of learning, Stirling believes that is important that as many methods of development as possible are offered to employees to enable them to reach their full potential. Some of the learning and development initiatives currently being introduced are front line manager training, traineeships and apprentices and talent management.
Council appreciates that in the past it has not had a strong strategic focus with regard to developing its people, and believes that the plans to address this issue will see Stirling transform from a good employer to a great one.
In mid September, ten worthy employees identified as ‘future leaders’ will begin an intensive Management Diploma through the Australian Institute of Management, fully sponsored by Council.
At a recent graduation ceremony for 2,400 students at Edith Cowan University in Perth, City of Stirling CEO Stuart Jardine was the guest speaker. He said Local Government is a diverse and challenging area to work in and it is vital that councils ensure they are actively engaging with young people to attract them to the industry. It must then continue to stimulate them to retain them.
“Knowing that the Council can offer not just a job but a career is paramount,” Stuart Jardine said. “I am excited to be leading this new phase of employee development at the City of Stirling.
“Our new strategic plan contains several key initiatives focusing on employee development, from graduate programs to introducing talent management. It is still very important, even in these economic times, that we retain our key employees by ensuring that they have opportunities to develop their skills for now and for the future.
“Team Stirling relies on talented staff to deliver its ambitious
strategic goals.”
