MANUFACTURING companies throughout Worcester-shire are being given the opportunity to boost the skills of their workforce and improve profitability.

Through an exciting new initiative, spearheaded by Skills4Auto, small medium enterprises (SMEs) in all manufacturing and engineering businesses can now offer their employees training in lean business improvement techniques leading to National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) level two and three.

Funding has been made available by the West Midlands Area Learning and Skills Councils to ensure that as many companies as possible benefit from the programme.

The focus is not only on improving employee's skills but also improving business performance as a whole.

The programme includes assessment of current activities and competences, implementation of the appropriate training and a further appraisal by fully accredited trainers and assessors, who have all attained the highest standards required for delivery of the programme.

Bryan McGinity, managing director of Midlands-based Skills4Auto which promotes skills development in industry said the region had always been recognised as the heart of Britain's manufacturing and engineering industries, but to be internationally competitive it had to have a workforce trained to the highest global standards.

"This initiative offers a win win situation all round," he added. "By improving skills and obtaining the related qualification, the workforce will become more competent to carry out their specific roles. As a result, employers will be able to increase productivity and hence their profitability.

"There are enormous benefits to everyone. I would strongly urge all SMEs to take advantage of this scheme and the significant changes that Lean Business Improvement techniques can bring to their business."

For further information contact Alan Arthur, programme & marketing manager, Skills4Auto Limited on 0121 717 6644 or email alanarthur@skills4auto.org or visit www.skills4auto.org