Punch serves up team spirit

E.learning Age, Sep 2009

Pub chain Punch Pub Company has launched a development programme with e-learning, DVDs and coaching to give its staff a clear career pathway.

Punch piloted its e-learning platform in October 2008 and has trained 11,000 recruits in food hygiene, health and safety and licensing law; its courses provide individuals with recognised qualifications. The development programme, called Team Player, aims to build on this by delivering an all-encompassing induction for new employees.

David Mayes, head of retail training, said: "We've looked at how adults learn and developed an induction programme that is easy to follow and successful at building knowledge and encouraging the right behaviours.

"We've embraced new technology and used DVDs, which we've filmed in our own pubs with our own people, and online e-learning modules to deliver an innovative training programme. Our training is based on providing the knowledge, creating understanding and putting new skills into practice."

On joining the company, employees are assigned a coach from the pub's management team, who supports them as they complete the programme. After successfully completing a series of online modules and assessments, the training doesn't end there. Staff can keep following the career pathway to team leader, deputy general manager and even general manager.

Employees are also encouraged to consider other roles within the field support team and at the company's support centre in Burton-on-Trent.