Helping colleagues take their next step with our Aspire programme

One of our colleagues who completed the course is Scott Wilkinson, who is now working as a Stock Condition Manager.

He said that Aspire played an important role in helping him prepare for his next move.

Scott said: “When you think about doing a course during work time, you worry about your workload, but Aspire was really well planned. The sessions weren’t full days, they were spaced out, and that made a big difference. It felt manageable alongside my day job.

“I’m quite hands-on, and the sessions reflected that. We covered what being a line manager really involves, not just what people think it involves. That insight is really valuable.”

The programme is delivered by our Learning and Development team and it is designed to be practical and interactive. Colleagues take part in discussions, activities and real-world scenarios.

One standout session for Scott focused on understanding different communication and energy styles, helping colleagues think about how they work with others.

Another highlight was a mock interview, tailored to the kind of role participants might apply for next.

Scott added: “That was really useful. It helped me understand where my gaps were and how I could improve, without the pressure of a real interview.

After completing Aspire, Scott successfully stepped into his new role.

He added: “Getting the role felt really positive. It was a reassurance that the work I’d put in had paid off. And the team I’ve joined has been so welcoming - that’s made a huge difference.”