Webtech NI Ltd

 

Wendy McKeown

HR Manager responsible for
Learning & Development
Webtech NI Ltd

Brief Description of what the organisation does:

Webtech supply a wide range of flexible packaging such as labels and sleeves to the food and beverage industry. Based in Northern Ireland, we supply labels across mainland Europe, Ireland and UK.

Brief Description of your role within the organisation:

I am currently employed as HR Manager, with responsibility for all Learning and Development on site. Manage all matters in relation to HR, such as Selection & Recruitment, Contracts,Disciplinary, Absence Management, Personnel Records, Flexible Working, Maternity Rights etc.

How has your role developed in the organisation?

I originally joined the company in 2002 as a temporary receptionist to cover maternity leave. This then developed into a permanent Receptionist role. Five years ago I moved to a full time Personal Assistant Role working closely with the MD and the Management Team. Within my PA role I was also responsible for all HR on site. Due to a recent acquisition we now have the need for a full time HR Department and on completion of my cipd HR Management Qualification in November 2011 I was promoted to HR Manager.

Why did you choose to embark on a cipd qualification?

My initial thought was for personal development, but when I looked into the course content I realised the huge benefit it could have when incorporated into an Organisation such as Webtech that previously had no dedicated HR Department.

How did your qualification help you in your role in the workplace?

Whilst I was studying, the Organisation was going through some major changes. First with a large acquisition and secondly with an overall change to employee contracts and shift patterns. The knowledge I gained at the workshops was invaluable when I returned to the organisation as gave me the information I needed to be able to advise others and carry out my role within the HR and legal guidelines.

What has it meant to you personally to complete your qualification?

Personally it was a huge achievement for me initially to complete the course and more so to win the Outstanding Achievement Award. Like a lot of people who have long since left school behind I doubted I’d have the time and commitment but once I got started the assignments and workshops kept me motivated. To complete something as widely recognised as the cipd Qualification has definitely given me the desire to progress further, for my own personal development and also to further enhance my career prospects.

How has your organisation benefited from you completing your qualification?

Webtech now have a fully qualified, dedicated cipd / HR professional on site. This allows the opportunity to set structures, guidelines and goals that previously might not have been in place. There is also a financial saving in that the Organisation no longer needs to look elsewhere for advice on HR matters as would have been the case previously.