The first day of Cohort 1 marked the launch of AWEBB’s new two-day Learning & Development Programme, delivered in partnership with Aico. Bringing together leaders and managers from electrical wholesalers across the UK, the programme explored a simple yet powerful question: What conditions need to exist for team development to truly succeed?
Why Learning & Development Matters
As the electrical industry continues to evolve, investing in people and leadership development has never been more important. While technical expertise remains essential, organisations must also create environments where individuals can learn, adapt, collaborate, and confidently take ownership of their work.
The ability to develop and retain talent is increasingly becoming a key differentiator for businesses seeking sustainable growth, stronger leadership pipelines, and a more engaged workforce. Creating the right conditions for learning is no longer a “nice to have”; it is fundamental to long-term success.
Exploring the Conditions for Growth
Throughout the day, delegates examined many of the challenges organisations commonly face, including:
- Disengagement
- Lack of ownership
- Resistance to change
A central theme emerged: these are often not people problems, but responses to the conditions people experience at work.
The programme introduced five evidence-based conditions that support sustainable learning, development, and performance:
- Safety
- Belonging
- Capability
- Autonomy
- Meaning
Through facilitated discussion, practical exercises, and peer learning, participants reflected on their own leadership approaches and explored how they can create environments where people feel empowered to learn, contribute, and thrive.
The sessions encouraged open and honest conversations about the realities of leadership, with delegates sharing experiences from their own organisations and challenging one another to think differently about the role leaders play in shaping workplace culture.
Learning Through Shared Experience
One of the most valuable aspects of the programme was the opportunity for leaders from across the electrical industry to learn together and exchange ideas.
- Antony Booth at LH Electrical commented, “a deep dive into the psychological aspects of team and self-development”
- Arran Scott at Lamps Ltd said, “As an older manager, I always want to be open to learning and evolving. I find it useful to meet with my contemporaries in other businesses where sharing knowledge and ideas can be a huge benefit. And hopefully my own experience can help them as well.”
- Harry Whiteoak at Oldfield Electrical commented that it was a “great open workshop for discussion“
- Andrew Guy, Operational Managing Director at Oldfield Electrical, added: “Another fantastic day at Aico, with AWEBB and Lee Duffy talking openly about the right conditions for our teams to learn, experiment and build confidence.”
Building a Stronger Industry Together
Perhaps the greatest strength of programmes like this lies in their collaborative nature. By bringing together leaders from across the electrical industry to share perspectives, challenge assumptions, and learn from one another, the sector becomes stronger as a whole.
Development is rarely a solitary activity. It is accelerated through networks, partnerships, and a willingness to openly exchange experiences. Programmes such as this help create those connections while equipping leaders with practical tools to support their teams and businesses.
As Cohort 1 progresses into Day 2, the focus will shift from understanding the conditions for development to embedding them in everyday leadership practice.
Learn More
If you work within the electrical industry and would like to learn more about how Aico’s Learning & Development Programme can support your organisation, contact our Learning & Development Manager Lee Duffy at lee.duffy@aico.co.uk.
