23rd March 2009

Preston College helps Leyland Trucks to upskill workforce

  Around 125 assembly workers at Leyland Trucks are having their skills and qualifications improved under a contract placed with Preston College and funded by the Learning and Skills Council under their 'Train to Gain' scheme. Each of the employees has embarked on a minimum three month programme of training and assessment leading to an NVQ Level 2 in Performing Manufacturing Operations or in Warehousing, Handling and Storage.

  Managing Director Jim Sumner said: “Supporting our employees to improve their skills is a continuous process at Leyland Trucks and one which assumes even greater importance during these recessionary times. This course is another part of our efforts to put the company and its employees in the best possible position to move forward when market conditions improve, as they will. I am delighted that so many employees have signed up to this training, which will undoubtedly benefit them as individuals as well as the company.”

  Assessors from Preston College are now at the showpiece truck assembly plant at Farington on a full-time basis throughout the their performance on key tasks covered by their chosen NVQ subject is to the required standard. This ‘on the job’ assessment is being complemented by other knowledge-based learning. Each employee is required to submit written evidence of his or her competence and knowledge of key factors related to their work.

  “This approach is completely in line with our ‘Team Enterprise’ culture at the plant,” says HR Development Manager, Lyn Butler, who set up the programme. “As well as raising their own individual skill level and proving their competence to perform their job to a very high standard, those taking part are also encouraged to think in different ways about their work, with a particular emphasis on team working, continuous improvement, health, safety, and environment. “I'm particularly pleased that we are working with Preston College on this project. We have worked with them before and have found them to be very flexible in their approach to the delivery of training. The fact that they are able to run this course entirely on our premises is a major advantage for the company and those taking part in the course.”

  Janet Rogers, Assistant Director of Employer Based Learning at Preston College, said: “ We are delighted to be working in partnership with Leyland Trucks. The College recognises, now more than ever, the importance of linking training to real and measurable business benefits and we have been very impressed by the positive response from the employees involved in this programme.”