SOUTH WEST FIRMS PIONEER LEAN TRAINING

Manufacturing companies across the UK will soon be benefitting from a unique training programme developed in the South West. The National Skills Academy for Manufacturing (The Skills Academy) has been working with manufacturers in the region to pilot new courses that promote ‘Lean’ manufacturing processes. Brian Thornton, regional manager for The Skills Academy in the South West, explained: “Lean manufacturing is a proven method of improving the performance of manufacturing firms by utilising their most important asset – their workforce. “Over the past few months we have been working with two companies in the region to trial the Lean Foundation Programme, an entry level short course that gives workers an introduction to the principles of lean manufacturing.” The two companies – Plymouth-based computer cabinet manufacturer Rittal-CSM and Relyon, which makes beds at its factories in Wellington, Taunton and Okehampton – have introduced the course alongside NVQ qualifications in Business Improvement Techniques. As a result they have seen marked improvements in quality, cost reduction and product delivery. Continued Brian: “The course itself is about how better training can help employees solve problems on the shop floor and developing a culture that sees everyone in the company working together to improve the production process.” The initial pilots have proved so successful that the course look set to be adopted across the UK. “As The Skills Academy has developed the Lean Foundation Programme with a successful pilot here in the South West, we are obviously delighted it has proved so successful and will soon be helping manufacturers across the country to become more competitive in an increasingly tough business environment,” added Brian. - 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.

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