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Skills4Auto, together with the Birmingham & Solihull Learning and Skills Council (LSC) and the SMMT Industry Forum, designed the programme to ‘upskill’ trainers and assessors on the successful Business Improvement Techniques (B-IT) NVQ course by identifying skill deficit areas and arranging automotive company placements where the tutors can practically apply B-IT tools and techniques.
Land Rover supported the programme by offering placements for the candidates on the B-IT Trainer/Assessor programme and, through LSC funding, they registered 24 of their Rover Off-Line employees on the B-IT programme delivered by Warwickshire College. The aim was for either the trainer or assessor to gain an NVQ level 2 at the end of the placement. The trainer/assessor would at the same time be shadowed by a process or team leader within Land Rover who would in turn be gathering evidence within his portfolio to gain NVQ Level 2.
John Barr, Training Manager at the Land Rover plant in Solihull, and Terry Kulak, Training Consultant for Land Rover and Jaguar were involved in setting up the placement and co-ordinating the activity. They commented that whilst the B-IT programme enables Land Rover to reduce costs and increase productivity, the Trainer/Assessor programme helps college trainers to understand and use standard methodology in the automotive industry. Ultimately all suppliers dealing with any major vehicle manufacturer will be using the same tools, terminology, methodology and processes.
“We were part of the B-IT pilot when the NVQ was being developed and as EAL’s, the industry awarding body for Engineering and Technology, requirement for trainers and assessors on the programme is to be experienced in the application of B-IT tools and techniques, we wanted to offer them an opportunity to apply their skills and knowledge, learn by doing,” John said.
“All the trainers that have gone through the programme have said they have got a different view of things after working on the shop floor. They gained a different perspective on how difficult it may be to apply the tools and to sustain the improvements. This will give them a real benefit when assessing candidates on the B-IT course themselves,” he added.
Two Land Rover employees from Rover Off-Line who were in the first group on the B-IT programme have now submitted their NVQ level 2 portfolios for external verification whilst at the same time shadowing two Dudley College of Technology trainers and assessors who were also working towards their NVQs.
Trevor Burris, who works as a Team Leader on Range Rover Off-Line said, “Obtaining the NVQ in Business Improvement Techniques Level 2 gave me a great sense of achievement whilst being extremely enjoyable. It linked in well with my activities in the Centre of Excellence and gave me a better overall business perspective. It focussed my efforts, which in turn added value to the work I was doing and as a result, I feel more engaged and motivated.”
Clive Armstrong, Process Area Manager on Range Rover Off-Line added, “This NVQ programme not only supports our associates to continue in the learning cycle, it also sits perfectly alongside the business’ Centre of Excellence rollout plan. Both of these activities can contribute greatly in improving our lean manufacturing techniques.”
“The programme has given the participants a sense of pride in achieving something that directly impacts on their daily working activities and in turn will support the improvement of the company's business metrics.”he concludes.
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