Training and career development

By providing high-quality training and career development opportunities for our employees, we increase job satisfaction and improve employee retention, as well as building a skilled workforce. Across Thomas Cook Group we invested over £12 million in employee training in 2010 (based on average currency exchange rates for the reporting year).

Employee training session

Our employees receive training when they join the Group, then their training and development needs are assessed at personal development reviews. The frequency of these varies between Thomas Cook Group companies, but over 90% of our employees have a review at least once a year. At this review, they discuss training that might support them to perform better in their current roles, as well as their longer-term career aspirations. In a company with as many employees, and as geographically and functionally diverse as Thomas Cook Group, there are extensive opportunities for our employees to take their careers in their chosen directions.

The programmes we provide range from induction courses to management training. Specific examples of our training and career development initiatives include:

• L&D Online, a web-based platform that delivers a wide variety of training packages to Thomas Cook UK staff. The site has received over 150,000 visits since its launch in March 2010
• The Thomas Cook Academy, also in the UK, which consists of a variety of courses specifically designed to meet our company's needs. Over 2,950 employees attended an Academy course in 2010
• Training for our KidsWORLD representatives that counts towards a qualification in play work
• A suite of 40 e-learning courses for our North American employees, including modules on delivering the best customer service
• Training in our anti-corruption procedures, backed up by policies provided on our intranet
• Our Way, a leadership development programme run by Thomas Cook Northern Europe
• Our exclusive Diploma in Leadership and Management, which we run in-house, having been accredited by the Institute of Leadership and Management
• Talent Circle, a development programme for around 150 interns per year at Thomas Cook Germany
• Fast-track, our scheme that prepares employees for their next level of promotion.

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