IPSWICH LOCAL LADS AUSSIE LEADERS IN LEADERSHIP
Two Ipswich based workers have set the benchmark for the Australian business community by being the first in the country to complete an exclusive international leadership accreditation. Michael Sugden and Brendan Hatherly completed the International Business Training Association’s Leadership Certification through Australian training provider, IT-IQ Training, and received their accolades in a special ceremony held on Thursday 22 April, 2010.
Both men are employees of local, environmentally-friendly building product manufacturer Australian Hardboards, and both are very excited to be the first recipients in Australia of this accreditation. Both men say they learnt a lot during the course, and see it as a bonus to be known as the first Aussies to do so. “We think gaining this accreditation is a big step for both of us personally, and for our company, as we now feel well equipped to deal with future challenges with other members of the team,” both say.
Peter Denny of IT-IQ Training, believes that the results the two men achieved were outstanding. “Not only are they the first in the country to complete this training – they managed to both achieve scores above 80 pecent in the process, which is an excellent score,” he says. “I think both men should be very proud that they’ve managed to set such a high benchmark for this particular course in their country. “The program is essentially about taking a leadership role – regardless of your position in the workplace – and using that to positively affect those around you. “I’m confident that both Michael and Brendan will be able to use their new skills to excel in their pursuits.”
Bryan Davies, training manager of Australian Hardboards, says that getting Michael and Brendan into the training was a vital decision for the future of the company. “Courses by the International Business Training Association are rapidly becoming some of the most popular business skill certifications in the world – we felt it was important that as a company, we not only kept up with global trends but started setting some local ones, too,” Mr Davies says. “I’m very pleased that Michael and Brendan have not only been able to complete this training, but that they’ve been the first in the country to receive this accreditation. “Staying on top of trends in business is one of the most important facets of running a company, so when we were given the opportunity to send two of our workers to undertake such well recognised training, we were more than happy to get involved.”
The following is a letter of commendation to Michael and Brendan from the President of the IBTA:
