The Educ8 Group
The Educ8 Group was established in 2004 and provides Apprenticeship Programmes and training for learners across South Wales. Now employing nearly 300 staff, the business is run by CEO, Grant Santos, with a strong, values-first approach and a relentless focus on delivering quality and growth opportunities to employers and learners.
The Training
It all began with a simple yet crucial step: delivering training. I believe that capability building lays the foundation for any successful improvement effort. Empowering teams with the knowledge and skills they need to excel, is the first step towards driving meaningful change.
A small group of people from various teams were brought together, the Lean Project team. Our tailored training programme provided the team with insights into process improvement methodologies, tools, and best practices. I witnessed the enthusiasm and eagerness as they absorbed new knowledge and began to think about how to apply it to their daily work.
Newfound Capabilities
With newfound capabilities under their belts, the team was ready to tackle their first improvement project. Armed with a shared understanding of their processes and equipped with the right tools, they dove headfirst into the challenge. I was there every step of the way, offering guidance, support, and expertise to navigate the complexities of process improvement. Together, we identified inefficiencies, duplication, and unsustainable, wasteful activities.
Future State
But our journey didn't stop there. With the momentum driving us forward, we set our sights on the future. Together with the team, we embarked on a new journey to design a future state that would elevate their operations to new heights of excellence and deliver satisfaction to their customers. Through workshops, brainstorming sessions, and iterative refinement, we co-created a vision for the future that was ambitious yet achievable.
The Transformation
The transformation was nothing short of remarkable. What began as a two-day training event evolved into a comprehensive journey of discovery, growth, and transformation. Along the way, I witnessed the team's confidence grow, their skills sharpen, and their passion ignite. It was a testament to the power of continuous improvement and the impact it can have on organisations and individuals alike.
Educ8 is run with an ethos driven by the values of honesty, integrity, respect and positivity. This runs in parallel with a passion for ensuring learners, employers and staff reach their full potential.
The Educ8 Lean project team with their LCS certificates.
As I reflect on this, I am reminded of the fundamental truth that lies at the heart of operational excellence: that true change begins with people. By investing in their capabilities, empowering them to drive change, and supporting them every step of the way, we can unlock the full potential of organisations and create a future that is brighter, more efficient, and more resilient than ever before.
Conclusion
In conclusion, my time with the Educ8 Group reaffirmed my belief in the transformative power of operational excellence. From training to transformation, every step of the journey was guided by a shared commitment to excellence and a relentless pursuit of improvement. As I look ahead to the future, I am excited to continue our partnership with them and embark on many more journeys of discovery together.
Find out more about the Operational Excellence courses and learning we offer or get in touch to discuss your bespoke needs.
