NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, PATUXENT RIVER, Md. — 184 of NAVAIR’s future leaders gathered for a national kickoff of the 2014 Journey Leadership Development program (JLDP) Feb. 12.

JLDP is part of NAVAIR’s plan to create a long-range workforce strategy that gives employees the tools they need to excel in key skill areas and contribute more effectively to NAVAIR’s overall mission. This new class brings the program to 546 civilian and military employees from every NAVAIR site and artisans at the Fleet Readiness Centers.

“This is an opportunity to recognize and applaud you on your focus and action and for taking ownership of your career,” said Gary Kurtz, NAVAIR assistant commander, corporate operations and total force. “It gives me promise, looking across this room at the array of skills and talent, for the future of naval aviation.”

During the orientation, the employees received an in-depth program overview, learned about the establishment of a continuous learning culture at NAVAIR and heard a leadership perspective on mentoring. They also had the chance to use the new online developmental program tool created for JLDP, NAVAIR Leadership Development Program (NLDP) and Engineer Scientist Development Program participants. The tool helps employees chart their progress, stores documents pertaining to their program, and automates forms to eliminate paperwork.

Electronics Engineer Kristin Davis, a new JLDP participant, said she liked the new user-friendly tool because it will help her track all her program milestones. She said she also enjoyed listening to the guest speakers emphasize the importance of refining her job skills, mapping her future career path and working in a team environment.

“The orientation provided us with a wealth of knowledge and tools that I am confident will certainly navigate all of us on our journey of learning, growth and development,” Davis said. “With the encouragement of my supervisor and mentors, I aspired to join JLDP so that I can strengthen my skills and abilities, so that one day I may lead others to expanding their horizons.” 

New participant Marc Tolentino said he joined JLDP to contribute to NAVAIR’s mission, learn more about the organization and its people, and grow professionally.

“As I learned while on active duty with the U.S. Navy, what makes or breaks an organization are the people,” he said. “Good people who are well led can accomplish great things. I would like to someday become one of the people leading and growing others, to their benefit and to that of our customer, the warfighter.”

About the JLDP

Intended to target journey-level employees, JLDP complements the more senior-level NLDP. The one- to two-year program includes networking, classroom-based leadership training, computer-based organization and operations training, job shadowing and interviews with senior leaders.

Participants produce an individual development plan to chart their career aspirations and formalize at least one mentoring relationship using iMentor, NAVAIR’s online application that matches mentors with mentees.

Learn more about JLDP and the other training and developmental programs available to NAVAIR employees.