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The 2011 Proskills Awards Ceremony will be held at Alton Towers on 3 November, highlighting the importance of vocational education to the future of the process and manufacturing sector. Cornwall Glass & Glazing Ltd invest in the skills of their staff, earning the company a nomination in the Outstanding SME Employer of the Year category
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The 2011 Proskills Awards will be held at Alton Towers on 3 November, both celebrating the achievements of people working in the process and manufacturing sector and also highlighting its wider commercial importance. Proskills has received hundreds of entries from a wide range of employers and apprentices, demonstrating a widespread commitment to developing the skills that will drive industry forward.
This commitment is exemplified by Cornwall Glass & Glazing Ltd, who have been nominated in the Outstanding SME Employer of the Year category. "There is an ongoing commitment to improving the skills and knowledge of our skilled and experienced workforce. This is demonstrated by the completion of a round of formal NVQ Level 2 training for more than 20 staff, some of whom are now taking their NVQ level 3," said Mark Mitchell, the company's Managing Director.
Despite the ongoing financial uncertainty Cornwall Glass & Glazing has invested heavily in new processing equipment and completed a comprehensive training programme. This is an important part of the company's plans for the future. "Succession planning is an important issue that has not only been addressed by analysing the company's training needs and requirements but also by the appointment of three apprentices. We are currently actively seeking to recruit an additional four apprentices within the group to bring the total to seven," continued Mark.
Whilst a basic education is important, the key attribute the company looks for in new recruits is enthusiasm. "We do not see educational attainment as the overriding factor when looking to recruit apprentices. We seek those who are ambitious and have a real interest in the roles they are about to embark upon," continued Mark. Apprentices have the opportunity to make their opinions known. "We are an open company and encourage staff to give feedback and comment on where they think improvements can be made - and apprentices are also encouraged to do this," said Mark.
This approach has brought significant benefits to both the company and its employees. "Vocational training has really been of benefit to not only the company but also our employees, who have been able to gain skills and knowledge on the job," said Mark. "Individuals feel a sense of achievement, not only because they have a qualification and a certificate, but also because they feel valued and more skilled in the daily tasks they carry out."
The company will be a strong contender at the Proskills awards, which promises to be a hugely enjoyable evening. The ceremony will highlight the work of both individuals and companies in the process and manufacturing sector, while also offering important networking and sponsorship opportunities. If you would like to get involved in the Proskills Awards then please get in touch via the contact details below.
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Notes to editors
About Proskills Group
Proskills UK Group comprises Proskills UK - the Sector Skills Council for Process and Manufacturing Sector and the Proskills Academy.
Proskills UK is the bridge between employers and Government on skills and training.
Proskills is employer-led by nine key industries; Building Products, Coatings, Extractives, Furniture, Glass, Glazed Ceramics, Paper, Print and Wood, which make a third of the UK manufacturing sector. Proskills UK helps to raise the profile and sets the skills standards and qualifications for the sector and ensures that the skills and funding delivers against the current and future needs of the industries.
As the commercial arm of Proskills UK, National Skills Academy, Materials, Production & Supply is the first step in identifying and accessing the training your business needs to reduce costs and boost productivity.
Contact Information
Patrick Truss
Proskills UK
85b Centurion Court
Abingdon
OX14 4RY
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