VT Group (VT), the UK’s largest learning provider, is delivering the first NVQ 3 training programme in Business Improvement Techniques (BIT) for engineering in partnership with Stannah Group, one of the world’s biggest names in the manufacture of lifts and stair lifts.  Designed by the National Skills Council and funded by the Government’s Train to Gain Scheme, this nationally recognised qualification aims to make a real difference to the bottom line of organisations, supporting continuous improvement through developing lean skills and promoting effective team working across the wider workforce.

VT is delivering the training in the workplace, piloting the UK’s first programme to supervisors and team leaders within Stannah’s passenger and platform lift production team at Andover. This is part of a training initiative with VT that is acting as a catalyst within Stannah.  Recently gaining NVQ 2 in Business Improvement Techniques, the NVQ 3 trainees have now become training champions; a complete turnaround given the reluctance of many to go back to the classroom at the start of the initiative. Stannah is keen to see the new NVQ 3 qualification become a standard undertaking for its employees.

John Osborne, Business Development Manager for VT’s engineering training business: “Business Improvement Techniques (BIT) are increasingly sought after in the current economic climate. Many businesses are now seeing the importance of this type of training in aiding economic recovery and in withstanding future knocks from changing markets and new challenges.”

All National Skills Academy Programmes are developed directly with employers. This ensures they deliver both relevant and improved skills sets needed to take the organisation forward, whilst providing employees with a nationally recognised portfolio of skills. This means that employers can take control of the design and delivery in their industry, working in partnership with the Government and top training providers such as VT to achieve real change. The Business Improvement Techniques NVQ programme provides industry standard National Vocational Qualifications centred on the proven tools and techniques of lean manufacturing. It is a hands-on programme designed for supervisors, team leaders and operators in companies that have lean systems in place but are looking to engage the wider workforce in continuous improvement activities. It teaches them how to identify and eliminate waste, create flow and improve quality, leading to greater efficiency and increased profitability.

Said Keith Jones, a VT trainer delivering the programme to Stannah: “The achievement of the Stannah team will become a catalyst for further continuous development in their company.  They have the opportunity to support others who will go on the course and to make a significant contribution to the effective running of the business.”

Alastair Stannah, Managing Director of Stannah Lifts Limited said:  “The BIT NVQ is helping Stannah Lifts improve quality, cost and delivery performance. What makes this different is that it is sustainable by providing our people with a simple and effective set of techniques to continuously improve processes.  To receive their certificates our employees had to provide evidence of where their learning has made a measurable impact in the workplace. They walked away with a nationally-recognised qualification and have helped to improve our business in the process.”