Investment in training places company in driving seat
A staff training scheme launched to support a company’s growth ambitions has been hailed a success by bosses.
Elddis Limited, one of the UK’s leading caravan and motorhome manufacturers, has invested heavily into the training and further education of its employees.
The latest ‘graduate’ to reap rewards from this investment is Gary Jones (General Manager).
Gary started a distance learning course approximately two years ago to study for a Level 5 Diploma in Operations Management.
This form of learning suited Gary as a full-time employee at Elddis: “This was an incredibly flexible course that enabled me to study remotely and gain the qualification I wanted.
“Working this way ensured I remained on target with my assignments but could study in my own time and at my pace – while not interfering with my full-time job.”
So far this qualification, combined with Gary’s 10 years management experience, has reaped rewards for the company.
As Gary explains: “The course provided very topical information that was applicable to current needs within the workplace. This enabled me to apply what I learnt on a practical basis straight away.
“For instance, during the course I worked on a project that reduced the lead time of manufactured aftermarket parts from 56 to 14 days – which improves customer satisfaction.”
Throughout the two years Gary was studying, he received support from a tutor, a Fellow of the Institute of Operations Management, Mr Norman Lees.
Norman is a strong believer in the importance of companies, such as Elddis, to continually invest in training and become exemplars of best practice in the industry.
He commented: “In the present climate of international competition businesses have to continually invest in their staff in order to maintain and enhance a competitive edge.
“Elddis has tackled this through the awareness and introduction of best practice through staff training, which has introduced a culture of continual improvement benefiting both staff and customers.”
As part of a continuous investment in training at Elddis, a further four managers and team leaders are studying to attain a selection of certificates, diplomas or degrees in a variety of subjects including engineering, manufacturing, customer care and management.
Steve Ford, Managing Director at Elddis, is delighted at the success of these initiatives so far: “Training is central to our business objectives and is an integral part of the business moving forward.
“Time and money has been made available to invest in our staff to continually improve the manufacturing process and the products we make, as well as ensuring our staff are at the top of their game.
“Now more than ever manufacturers in this industry are expected to deliver increasing levels of customer satisfaction. This investment enables us to provide assurance to our staff, suppliers, clients and customers that we are fully committed to them. “
Published: 13/09/2007
