This month’s news in brief
Reps push open learning
Product support specialist Lex Multipart is promoting its recently launched
open learning centre through three learner representatives.
"The learner reps are an excellent way of spreading the training
message to our workforce," said Lex Multipart HR adviser, training and
projects Lynne Barber. "Over one fortnight, we had 34 enrolments at the
centre."
The open learning centre, at the Lex Multipart’s base in Chorley,
Lancashire, is a joint venture with local higher education provider Preston
College. The centre offers the company’s shiftworkers full access to
learndirect programmes across the Internet.
A cross-section of local people are using the centre, including senior
citizens completing the European Computer Driving Licence.
BMW awards NVQS
Car manufacturer BMW Group is celebrating the first NVQ awards at its engine
plant in Hams Hall, Warwickshire. The factory is an approved NVQ assessment
centre and represents an investment of £12m by BMW, supported by £6m in UK
Government grant aid.
"The NVQ programme is an important part of a comprehensive £22m skills
training initiative, which provides skills-enhancement opportunities for associates
at all levels and in all areas of the factory," said Ernst Baumann, BMW
board of management member responsible for personnel.
"By conducting work-based training through our tailor-made programmes,
we are well-placed to tackle skills shortages."
Trainer leads buy-out
One of the power industry’s biggest coaching organisations, Empower
Training, has become a fully-independent company after completing a management
buy-out from Powergen.
Elaine Clark, former head of training and now managing director, said,
"The buy-out from Powergen will enable us to invest in and develop our
business. We shall continue to deliver our competence- based training packages
and other services for utilities and public services as well as the
manufacturing, chemical and food processing industries."
