FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
No. COC-07-022-SC
September 6, 2006
Leadership Training Program Hits a Sweet Spot Communicating effectively, understanding dynamics and improving motivation: all key ingredients for successful team leadership. With this in mind, the College of the Canyons Employee Training Institute and the leader in world-class chocolate designs, Chocolates à la Carte, partnered over the summer to create a business skills training program for front-line supervisors. A collaborative effort between COC ETI and Chocolates à la Carte helped ETI create a program proposal targeting the business' initial needs within a week. With the two parties working together to discuss and customize the program, the college was able to use state funds through the Employee Training Panel to implement the program, and classes were scheduled within a few weeks. Taught both in English and Spanish, the classes taught supervisory development skills, team building, and all the elements that result in being a successful leader. The program provided 40 hours of instruction over a five-week period of time, and was offered onsite at Chocolates à la Carte for the supervisory team. Because the program provides ample time for instruction and direct application of the skills learned, tangible results are almost immediate. "I am so impressed with how the internal relationship among the supervisory team has improved. The success of this program has resulted in supervisors who are team players that are positive and motivated," said Sandra Esquivel, Chocolates à la Carte's human resources manager. "The instructor demonstrated positive motivation, along with providing great information and practical hands on applications that was utilized immediately with staff." Upon completion of the program, a second class was created that combined employees from Chocolates à la Carte and Del West Engineering, a local company specializing in the advancement of racing technology with clients ranging from NASCAR to the Indy Racing League, which operates in the Valencia Commerce Center. "Our employees thoroughly enjoyed attending the classes," said Rose Chegwin, director of human resources at Del West. "They are easy to understand and are easily implemented in the workplace." For more information about customized company training packages or the Employee Training Institute, visit www.canyonsecondev.org or call (661) 259-3874. | 
