*According to learndirect (2008)

Simple mistakes can lead to huge wastage, ultimately having a negative effect on bottom line profits. This partnership will demonstrate just how training staff can improve business for all.

Two representatives from Care Training East Midlands (CTEM) and Central Skills were able to secure funding towards adult learning through a course funded by NIACE (National Institute of Adult Continuing Education) and CEL (Centre for Excellence in Leadership).

Following liaisons in July 2008 with National Autoparts, it was decided the money would be spent purchasing technology that could be taken to employers to conduct training. This demonstrates the flexibility of the provision offered by CTEM and Central Skills and how we are an employer-led organisation.

The technology creates a portable classroom. It includes an eBeam that can project the screen of a laptop onto any white, flat surface — a wall, for example. The projection is interactive and tutors and learners can use the stylus to write with or even click links in a website. There are also quiz-style individual keypads for participants to monitor their own results in confidence. When the mobile classroom was rolled out into the learning environment, employees from National Autoparts were impressed. They had not seen anything like it before.

Lucy Watson (from the HR team at National Autoparts) commented on the technology used for the training, saying, “It is an impressive piece of kit! It made the sessions more interactive and less like a classroom.”

Using Train to Gain funding, CTEM engaged 13 learners at National Autoparts to complete Certificates in Adult Literacy and Numeracy up to Level 2 — equivalent to GCSE grade A–C. The initial plan was to complete one session a week for an hour and a half, however to keep up with demand this was increased to two one and half hour sessions a week. This enabled tutors to take each learner’s requirements into account and can be reflected in each learner’s training.

Employees of National Autoparts felt tutors were friendly, knowledgeable and well organised. The set structure of the programme has been hugely beneficial to the progression of the learners. Through regular communication via email and visits, National Autoparts employees felt fully informed throughout the whole process.
Andrew Hemsley, an employee of National Autoparts who has undergone the training says, “The training I have received has given me more confidence in and out of work”.

Lucy Watson recognised an improvement in the confidence of the staff and says, “Employees feel the company has spent time investing in their training.” Which, in due course, has a positive effect on staff retention

Once the learners achieve their Adult Literacy and Numeracy Certificates, they will progress to the NVQ in Warehousing & Storage Level 2 with Central Skills. An NVQ will give them a nationally recognised qualification, as well as an increased awareness of their role within National Autoparts.

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