Investing in excellence

Smart Display’s Shane Riding has completed his Level 5 Apprenticeship in management, bolstering his role as production director. Shane – who currently manages 16 staff across production and installations – was awarded the accolade for Operations or Departmental Manager following the successful completion of his final project in December.

Apprenticeships are a government-run scheme, combining a blend of theoretical learning and practical skills to optimise the potential of employees already in a relevant role. Having been with Smart Display since its inception in 2015, Shane undertook the course in a bid to gain a better perspective into a hands-on role that has become a way of life over the past decade.

“It was an organic process, because I have been managing this department and the people within it for many years now without ever having formally undertook any management training,” says Shane. “At this point specifically in Smart Display’s trajectory, we have brought around ten staff on board since I started the course, and it was the perfect time to take a step back from the role and assess how to maximise the potential of managing both people and schedules.”

As production director, Shane oversees the management of the entire production schedule from logistics and materials right through to the allocation of budgets and labour. His role also encompasses human resources, with 16 staff ranging from school-leavers to experienced joiners reporting directly to him.

“I think one of the key takeaways from the apprenticeship was the adaptation of management styles from one employee to the next,” says Shane. “We’ve brought on four new apprentices this year, all of whom are new to the workplace environment and need a level of professional guidance that isn’t required by an experienced project manager or a skilled joiner.”

Designed to be undertaken as part of a full-time role, the apprenticeship required a day a week to be allocated to academic content and practical work, including a final project upon which the apprentice was assessed for all aspects of the skills training.

“My final project was the orchestration of our relocation from our old premises to our new headquarters,” says Shane. “It was a logistical challenge requiring all of our skills and experience in project management, but it ran smoothly and was a fitting end to my two years of study to gain this qualification.”

Shane is just one of several employees undertaking outside qualifications as part of a wider strategy to maximise the potential of all Smart Display employees and their distinct skillsets. To find out more about what we can offer you, get in touch today.