PRESS RELEASE: SHEFFIELD ENGINEERING FIRM FORGES LINKS WITH THE SKILLS ACADEMY

A Sheffield-based engineering specialist is spreading the message that effective skills development can help firms to improve efficiency and boost their competitiveness. Sheffield Forgemasters International Limited has been working closely with The Skills Academy for Manufacturing (The Skills Academy) and the company’s Chief Executive, Dr Graham Honeyman, recently became chair of the organisations Regional Advisory Group (RAG) for Yorkshire and Humber. At a recent open day at the company’s facilities in Brightside Lane, Sheffield, visiting suppliers were introduced to Norman Fickling, The Skills Academy’s Regional Manager for Yorkshire and Humber. As well as highlighting the benefits that Sheffield Forgemasters has already seen as result of introducing a structured approach to training, Norman gave a short presentation to outline how The Skills Academy can help other manufacturers to achieve similar success. The open day also gave suppliers the chance to take a guided tour of production facilities at Sheffield Forgemasters, including the pattern shop, foundry, forge, south machine shop and melt shop. The company itself has a history dating back to the 1750s and is the successor to such famous Sheffield names such as Vickers, English Steel, Firth Brown and British Steel. Commented Graham Honeyman: “The event was a huge success and we were only too pleased to introduce our suppliers to The Skills Academy. It is doing an excellent job in raising skills levels across the manufacturing sector. “In these competitive times for manufacturing, having the right skills is vital for the long-term success of any business.” Added Norman Fickling: “We are delighted that Dr Honeyman has agreed to become our RAG Chair and his experience will prove invaluable as we continue to highlight the need for manufacturers to take a structured approach to training. “I would also like to thank him for introducing us to his company’s suppliers and giving me the opportunity to talk to them about the work of The Skills Academy.” For more information on how The Skills Academy can help other manufacturers in Yorkshire and Humberside to increase productivity and competitiveness through skills, contact Norman Fickling on 07912 463506, or email Norman.fickling@nsa-m.co.uk. - E N D S - Editor’s Notes The National Skills Academy for Manufacturing The National Skills Academy for Manufacturing (“The Skills Academy”) puts employers firmly in the driving seat to raise the standards of skills and work-based learning. Tasked by the Government to work in partnership with employers, training providers and support organisations we deliver an independent national standard for manufacturing training content, delivery and process. The Skills Academy provides a beacon of security for employers, ensuring that all training providers are approved to deliver the best content in the most powerful and cost effective way possible, so that our programme members receive the best value training to world-class standards.

Tags: