The NAVAIR Leadership Development Program (NLDP) began accepting applications June 25 for the 2008 program, which will feature three professional development options.

All three options include leadership classes from NAVAIR’s former Senior Executive Management Development Program (SEMDP). The options vary in the AIRSpeed certification required: Green Belt or Black Belt earned part-time or a Black Belt earned full-time.

"The expanded program supports the needs of employees, as well as Command requirements for skills and knowledge among future leaders," said NAVAIR Developmental Programs Manager Stephanie Taylor.

The competitive program is open to NAVAIR civil service personnel GS-12 to GS/GM-15 or equivalent. The application deadline is July 23.

Information on NLDP, including the application, can be found on Career Development Web site on MyNAVAIR: Career Development/Career Planning/Programs Overview.

"This change is part of a new, full leadership continuum which features formal development programs, such as NLDP, as well as open enrollment opportunities for employees at the journeyman level," Taylor said.

She noted that the continuum is among NAVAIR’s efforts to strengthen leadership, technical and business excellence to meet our NAVAIR Commander’s Guidance and to achieve the Chief of Naval Operations’ goal of building 21st century leaders.

"The continuum is a unique way of addressing professional development across NAVAIR," she said. Staff from the CDO worked with NAVAIR senior leaders to examine existing leadership programs and analyze ways to increase workforce participation.

"Our senior leaders recognize that everyone in NAVAIR leads and influences both people and activity to deliver products and services to the warfighter, so everyone needs some level of leadership training," Taylor explained. "That’s why we offer a variety of opportunities for personnel motivated to pursue leadership development."

"Our future leaders will also need to know how to improve the processes we use to deliver those products and services, which is why we’ve included various levels of AIRSpeed training or certification across the continuum," she said.

-USN-