Member Article

Work-based training credits employees

Collaborative working between Northumbria University and Newcastle-based engineering group British Engines is paying dividends for staff.

A project aimed at acknowledging the high level of training that goes on within the workplace has seen employees gain credits. The project was funded by the National Higher Education STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Programme and was aimed at learners with no previous experience of HE.

Engineering academics accredited the training undertaken by nine team leaders and managers.

Mechanical Engineering academics Jenna Tudor and Martin Birkett helped British Engines BEL Valves division to assess their existing training programme and developed modules based on live workplace projects.

The students completed a range of modules in engineering, computing and personal development as well as putting together a portfolio of evidence and reflecting on their learning.

All employees who took part in the scheme have received individual Higher Education credits for their work –unusual as normally it is the work-based learning that is accredited, rather than the individual. This means that the nine employees can use their credits to support future learning development in Higher Education.

One person who took part in the work-based training is Machine Shop Manager Paul Brady.

He found the training relevant because it focused on projects staff were already working on. In his case, he was able to analyse the quality performance of products and use new procedures to improve both quality and productivity.

As a result of taking part in the training he earned 20 credits which, together with previous experience and qualifications, allowed him to progress directly onto the second year of a Degree programme in Leadership and Management at Northumbria.

“The Degree programme fits with my job and it was recommended by other workers at Bel Valves who had completed it. The workload is heavy but I’m enjoying it immensely,” he said.

“I’m confident that the Degree will develop me as a manager and act a spring board to the next tiers of management.”

Ray Couch, Human Resources Manager at BEL Valves, said: “All the learners worked incredibly hard, fitting their studies around their shift work and family life. The company is already benefiting from the projects they worked on as some have helped us already to reduce waste and improve efficiency. In addition, it has strengthened our relationship with Northumbria University and paved the way for future collaboration.”

Keith Grant, Continuous Improvement Trainer at BEL Valves, added: “We’ve developed an excellent relationship with the University and are now considering rolling out this programme to other areas of the company to see if we can extend accreditation to others areas of our work.”

David Bell, Associate Dean in the Faculty of Engineering and Environment at Northumbria, said: “In today’s rapidly changing business environment, organisations need to be sure that they are developing their people in line with the needs of their clients.

“Partnership working in this way can unlock the potential of our external partners but also helps the University by ensuring our students’ programmes are up-to-date and relevant to today’s workplace.”

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For further information, please contact:

Katrina Alnikizil,

Senior Press Officer

Northumbria University

Tel: 0191 227 4905

e-mail: katrina.alnikizil@northumbria.ac.uk

For further information on news at Northumbria, go to www.northumbria.ac.uk/news

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Katr .