ADA’S ACADEMY IS WINNING FORMULA FOR BUSINESS GROWTH

ADA’S ACADEMY IS WINNING FORMULA FOR BUSINESS GROWTH

ADA Technology Services Ltd has announced that a large part of its 44% growth achieved over the last two years is down to its Academy programme, a graduate scheme that aims to attract and grow talent within the business.

The news comes following the appointment of graduate Adam Bennett, 25, who is now part of the team responsible for growing the specialist legal division of the company.

The programme has welcomed over 10 graduates since it launched in 2006, nine of which still work at the Burgess Hill-based IT managed services and co-sourcing specialist.

Roger Woodcock, Senior Sales Manager responsible for ADA’s Academy, says: “The Academy grew from a simple principle in that we place people at the heart of our business. We felt that ADA had a talent for picking good candidates who had the potential to grow and succeed in their role. We recognise that graduates who are just starting out have little experience in the commercial world and our three-day assessment seeks to evaluate candidates not on their current success but their growth potential.”

ADA’s overall staff turnover is less than 5% and its Academy alumni have all credited the programme as playing a critical role in their decision to work for the IT managed services provider.

As part of the Academy, graduates are immediately appointed as executives and given achievable sales targets to meet. They then undergo a rigorous training programme, comprising in-house and external training providers covering business, technology and commercial modules. One key element of the programme is that the graduates have the opportunity to be mentored by ADA’s Chief Executive who, as a former Sales Director, is well placed to advise and guide new starters.

New recruit Adam Bennett adds: “The Academy programme immediately struck me for two reasons. Firstly, other companies I met with didn’t appear to have the same commitment to their workforce. Secondly, after meeting everyone at ADA you quickly realise that they are not just paying lip service and that they actually believe in growing the people within the company. Three weeks into the role I already know where I am, where I need to be and what I need to achieve in order to progress through the company.”