If the answers to these three questions is then you should consider joining the Gradient programme
How much will it cost me?
At the moment (until December 1998) participation in the programme is FREE
How much of my time will be involved?
The process is geared to the needs of the individual
and the time involved will depend on the extent of the development activity that YOU
choose to undertake. There is an initial half day workshop to introduce you to the
programme and the techniques employed and groups (or networks) of graduates on the
programme usually choose to meet informally about every two months. These are desirable
rather than compulsory. Workshops are usually run in work time.
Will my employer be interested?
We try to arrange a preliminary meeting with you and your employer to explain the scheme and we usually find that employers are prepared to give some level of commitment and support. In the groups we have worked with so far not one employer has refused to allow time off to attend a daytime workshop. Obviously levels of support will vary- however the scheme has been designed so that even without any support from their employer, a graduate could still use the scheme to effectively manage their own development.
You use the term "development" quite a lot, what does it mean?
Learning is a lifelong process. You will have left university with a degree confirming that you have attained certain levels of skills and knowledge, however from the day you start working you will be learning new skills and gaining new knowledge. Structured Development is about managing this process to try and ensure that you have access to the skills and knowledge you need at the right time. In large companies you would probably follow a one or two year development programme which would help you convert your degree skills into working skills. During this process you would also be taught or shown other skills that you are going to need in your career. These might for example include - management or supervisory skills, time management, presentational skills or sales techniques. In a smaller company there is usually neither the time nor the resource available to offer these. This is where the Gradient programme can help by providing you with the tools you need to "self manage" your own development and by providing access to the information you need to help you achieve whatever it is you want to learn.
Do you provide me with training?
Gradient is not a training organisation - we do give some training on how to use the programme effectively but beyond this any training you need will be accessed direct from other sources. This may involve some cost to your employer or yourself and involve some negotiation between you and your employer - however having followed the steps in the Gradient programme you will be able to show the potential benefits to your company and therefore stand a much better chance of securing your employers support.
What does the programme consist of?
There are four main elements to the programme
You can read more about these by clicking the links above
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