Westlake Financial Invests in Employee Development & Growth
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (June 15, 2017) :
Los Angeles, CA – Westlake Financial Services recently launched another chapter of the Westlake Certification Program for employees interested in expanding their skill-set for potential career advancement.
Westlake’s Certification curriculum consists of four levels that participants must complete in order to receive certification. Over nine months, weekly classes cover Data Tools, Communication, Culture & Environment, and Leadership. Each class is led by a Westlake Financial Services subject matter expert on the topic and is usually a manager, director or executive. Also, individual participants are paired with a mentor within the organization who dedicates a minimum of four hours per month to assist the participant in completing individual and group assignments, presentations, and homework throughout the program.
“This program was designed to provide employees opportunities for growth, one of Westlake’s core values. An on-site learning opportunity to help employees advance their skills is just one of the many advantages of working at Westlake,” noted Erika Angel, AVP of Human Resources. “The curriculum will enhance and build skills while at the same time providing a launching ground for future Westlake leaders to learn the arts of business decision-making, communication, team building and implementation planning,” commented Robert Engilman, SVP/Chief Compliance Officer.
Westlake’s Certification Program is designed and overseen by Westlake’s Corporate Training and Development Department, as well as a council of five leaders in the organization. “One of the company goals for 2017 was to offer employees a program emphasizing leadership development, so we revamped the existing Westlake University Program to include elements of culture, environment, and effective communication,” commented Dennise Carrera, Corporate Trainer. “It then evolved into its own certification program promoting ethical behavior, organizational change management, leadership development, and self-improvement,” added Claudia Corleto, Manager of Corporate Training.
This year’s program commenced in March 2017, with the first group of 19 participants on track to receive certification in December of this year. “We recognize the high level of effort required to complete this program. Dedication to professional growth, as well as juggling responsibilities of full-time positions and life outside of work are paramount to successful completion. We have a congratulatory luncheon when participants complete each level, and we reward top performers in the program,” concluded Bret Hankey, Executive Chairman of Westlake Financial.
The council will begin accepting internal employee applications via Westlake Intranet for the 2018 Certification Program in the first quarter of 2018. As a separate program, the company provides Westlake University to all Westlake employees as another opportunity for learning. In the Westlake University program, employees can advance their skills in Public Speaking, Excel and SQL. Employees are encouraged to sign up for these classes via an email sent by Corporate Training each month.
About Westlake Financial Services: Westlake is an internet based, privately held finance company that specializes in the acquisition and servicing of prime to sub-prime automotive retail installment contracts. Headquartered in Southern California, Westlake originates indirect retail installment contracts through a network of over 30,000 new and used car dealers throughout the United States.