In the past year, Rocket Lab have developed a dedicated Learning and Development team, supporting their people across a broad range of technical and personal development training initiatives. To provide a clear pathway for career progression, Rocket Lab recently designed detailed matrices for all of its engineers and technicians to be annually reviewed against, clearly outlining expectations for the next role they would like to move into. Additionally, last year the company had 45 of its leaders attend leadership training programs, covering personalities, communication, managing performance and coaching using the GROW model.
Recruitment strategy is also a key area Rocket Lab have focused on in the past 12 months, with candidate attraction a number one priority. In collaboration with their Communications department, Rocket Lab's recruitment team took advantage of the publicity and exposure they regularly receive from global media outlets and on their launch livestreams to present career opportunities directly to the target audience, significantly increasing the number of applications received. Combined with newly utilised functionalities of their ATS, they have reduced their average time to hire from 70 days to 56 days.
Employee recognition and reward is another core element Rocket Lab focuses on to create a positive culture within the company. Just a few of the of the incentives and awards on offer include company shares, service awards, values awards and mission patches (a piece of unique memorabilia given out to every employee after each rocket launch).