Black-tie and bubbly was the order of the day for 25 Gloucester-based contact centre employees at the first annual InterCall Learning Academies awards dinner, celebrating the class of 2014 gaining accreditation from Ulster University.
Each of the academy graduates competed with over 70 of their colleagues for a place on the seven Learning Academy courses (including leadership, project management and future technologies), completing a range of classroom training sessions, projects and practical work.
Celebrating at the awards dinner was just the tip of the iceberg; the real recognition of success for each graduate is being awarded learning credits (CATS points) equivalent to second year degree level from Ulster University. These points are nationally recognised and can be put towards an Advanced Certificate in Contact Centre Management or transferred to other areas of study.
“Completing the Academy affirmed my aspiration of the role I wish to pursue,” stated Katie Morgan, who has recently been promoted to the role of Customer Relations Manager after successfully completing the course, “You reap the benefits not only professionally but personally too!”
Kelly James, Event Coordinator stated, “I really enjoyed the experience of the Academy, I felt like I was opening a window into the life as a trainer or coach within a professional environment.” “It’s an incredible opportunity offered by InterCall, I got to meet some fantastic people and it has brought fresh ideas to the forefront of my mind to use in the future.” Special guest at the awards dinner, Tim Moruzzi, a Programme Director at Ulster University, stated, “Following detailed scrutiny of both the content and the delivery of the InterCall Learning Academies, the Ulster University Business School is delighted to be providing University accreditation to these areas of learning.”
The awards dinner was hosted by Lizzie Hieron, vice president of EMEA operations, who stated, “InterCall is a real ‘people business’ and our team make the difference to customers around the world every day. I am really proud of all of our team, but I am especially pleased to be celebrating the great achievement of our class of 2014 in style. The Learning Academies help us foster the inherent talent we have on the team and support career aspirations. Achieving University-level accreditation really exemplifies what our people can do.”
Beverley Webb, director of shared services, applauded the graduates, saying, “Eight of the class of 2014 have already achieved an internal promotion or progression. Due to the enthusiasm and passion of the Learning Academy leaders and graduates, there has been such a buzz around the office that we have already received applications for the 2015 Learning Academies before we have even opened for registration, which is the best feedback we could get.”
