ICI European Graduate Development Programme

The development of graduate recruits is seen as a priority for ICI Businesses across Europe. Because it is important to offer the best development possible, the Businesses in Europe have worked together to create the European Graduate Development Programme.

This programme has the following aims:
• To generate for recent graduate recruits a sense of belonging to the wider ICI group in addition to their primary role in their sponsoring business
• To provide a structured approach to development which focuses on the ICI Success Factors and their importance for current and future performance
• To provide an opportunity to develop a broader perspective on business issues by learning from a wider range of people from inside and outside the company
• To provide opportunities to meet other recruits in other parts of the company and develop a broader network of contacts

The Programme
The European Graduate Development Programme is structured around 4 key events which are held in locations across Europe. Each event is designed to be highly participative and provides practical and stimulating insights into topics of interest to future business leaders.

The content of the events aligns very closely with one of the clusters of ICI Success Factors. It is suggested that the whole programme should be completed in the first 2 years after recruitment.

The four events in this programme are:
1 The "ICI World" Forum - 2 days + an evening
Objectives
- To improve the audience’s knowledge of the ICI businesses and the opportunities they present for interesting and rewarding careers
- To develop a broader understanding of ICI’s values and ICI’s future direction
- To meet colleagues from across the businesses and some senior managers
- To develop communication, presentation and networking skills
- To re-enforce the message that success in ICI is up to the individual - ICI provides the graduate with the opportunities, training and development, but is up to the individual to contribute their maximum and to manage their career

2 Business Understanding - 3 days
Objectives
- To understand how business operates
- To understand the Value Chain
- To understand functional contribution and how this adds value to the company
- To understand the language and terminology of business and be able to question and challenge effectively
- To feel excited and motivated by the challenge of working in a business

3 Self, People and Teams - 3 days + an evening
Objectives
- To understand the motives and behaviours of self and others
- To develop basic communication and personal impact skills
- To practise effective teamworking
- To understand cultural and diversity issues
- To understand the concepts of change and leadership

4 Delivering Value - 3 days
Objectives
- To Better understand the ICI Success Factor Delivering Value
- To have a greater appreciation of customer focus and innovation management and how they are linked to business strategy and execution
- To improve skills in the areas of driving for results and making timely decisions