Forsythes Training skills merged council in project management.
Forsythes Training is helping the newly created Central Coast Council set its staff up for success in project management, which is so vital for the organisation’s future success.
When Wyong and Gosford Councils merged in May 2016, a strategic review of roles and skills sets against the new organisation’s priorities was undertaken. A full training needs analysis was the natural next step after restructuring.
Council’s Learning and Development Lead Specialist, Colette Marsden, says project management was one of the key skills gaps identified as staff were required to do more project based work across a bigger organisation and Council area while still maintaining and even improving service delivery to its community.
We had a real business need as staff were moving into project based roles, some for the first time
“Some of our staff also moved in to new areas of the business too as opportunities opened up.”
“So it became a key priority to build the capability of our people to ensure they could be successful in their new roles.
“Ensuring our staff are suitably trained and qualified is something we are working towards for the benefit our staff and the business.”
Almost 30 staff completed either the Diploma of Project Management or Certificate IV in Project Management in 2016. Council has asked Forysthes to train another 30 staff in 2017/18. The cost has been reduced through obtaining Smart and Skilled funding. Forsythes Training worked with Colette to develop the Training Needs Identification (TNI) and submit the application.
“What is good about working with Forsythes Training is that they offer real solutions,” Colette added.
“Forsythes Training have a broad scope of training course offerings and we have used them for training in project, leadership, business and performance management.
“The service from Forsythes Training is exceptional. I don’t think they could do it any better. Even though it is a business transaction, there is a personal touch.
Julie Carroll (Forsythes Training Director) makes a point of catching up regularly. The Forsythes’ team really understand Local Government as a key sector but also we need specific for our Council.
Colette says Forsythes’ trainers are very knowledgeable, practical and thorough in their preparation.
“They customise and contextualise training in line with our policies and guidelines, with new learnings and real workplace examples. This makes the training more relevant, more enjoyable and more effective for our staff,” Colette said
Central Coast Council is one of the region’s largest employers with more than 2,300 staff.
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