Career growth and advancement at the Exchange are now more accessible to associates thanks to two redesigned Human Resources programs.
The Exchange’s Retail Management Academy and Restaurant Operations Management Academy are now almost completely virtual so candidates can work at their own pace.
“Both of these programs are very beneficial to associates who aspire to become managers in the Exchange’s retail or restaurant fields,” said Samantha Davis, the Exchange’s chief of corporate learning. “The new format allows for a more individualized approach and puts the associate in the driver’s seat.”
One in-person component remains: a one-day, on-the-job training session or shadow exercise in which associates work at a preselected location under the guidance of a coach.
In the Retail Management Academy, associates take courses on hardlines, loss prevention, inventory management, customer service, warehouse and workplace safety, and other areas.
Restaurant Operations Management Academy associates study financial tools, building and equipment maintenance, food safety, environmental and energy management and other aspects of restaurant operations.
Candidates for either program must first complete the Exchange’s Management Development Program, a comprehensive tool to build soft and technical skills with links to associated learning opportunities.
After completing the Management Development Program, associates have six months to complete Retail Management or Restaurant Operations Management training if they choose to pursue them.
Participation in both programs requires the approval of a general manager, who will assign one coach for each participant to provide guidance and mentorship. Both curriculums include self-paced, on-demand modules and exercises, Percipio courses, an on-the-job training session and final presentation to the GM.
Associates can start taking part in either program anytime they want once the Management Development Program has been completed.
Various resources help guide participants, coaches, facility managers and general managers along the way. All program materials are in LEX or the HR Portal.
The enhanced MDP, which launched in September, is a comprehensive tool that builds the most impactful soft and technical skills, by pay band, and links them to the associated learning opportunity.
“The Retail Management and Restaurant Operations Management Academies help build the Exchange’s talent bench,” said Curtis Harold, the Exchange’s e-learning designer developer. “Along with the Management Development Program, these important benefits help associates take the next step toward achieving their career goals.”
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