Land Rover Solihull

The world-renowned 4x4 vehicle manufacturer has approximately 4,500 employees on site and is part of Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), owned by Tata Motors.

The company wanted to provide some recognition to employees who were already demonstrating the skills required, as well as identifying and up-skilling those who were not at this level. Land Rover Solihull began the Business Improvement Techniques (BlT) NVQ programme in 2006 as a trial, but they were so impressed with the results that in 2008, they decided to roll out the training to deliver 650 NVQs in BIT over three years across the workforce.

Andrew Dempsey, training consultant at Jaguar Land Rover, said: "lnitially, it was thought that all our employees would have the necessary competence and skill base to complete the relevant NVQ level appropriate to their role. However, we were able to identify and assist those who required some further training in the BIT modules.

"To date the response has been fantastic and we have delivered 50 NVQs in BIT during the pilot. The training has generated a lot of interest amongst the workforce, with regular requests to join the programme.

“Forty-four members of the team are on Level 2, with 13 employees working towards Level 3, and we have 45 members of staff lined up for the next phase.

"The 50 candidates who have successfully come through the programme so far are also full of praise for the benefits of BIT and the Warwickshire College assessors who took them through it. Warwickshire College’s team of assessors are based here at Land Rover Solihull and ensure all our BIT students are fully supported within their course.

"Over the coming few years we should see a steady improvement in business metrics across cost, quality and delivery."

Dean Robinson, Process Area Manager, Powertrain, who has completed BIT Level 3, said: “BIT is a refreshing and worthwhile programme that has benefited the business and me personally. I was able to copy improvements made in one area across into other process areas."

Alan Volkaerts, Operations Director, Solihull Plant, said: 'l believe that the NVQ in Business lmprovement Techniques is playing an important part in up-skilling our workforce to meet the demands of a world class manufacturing environment in a very competitive industry.

“Even during the recent economic downturn, the programme has enabled the workforce to better engage in, and contribute to, driving our business forward by generating original thinking and delivering critical business improvements."

Land Rover Solihull accessed BIT training through the Train to Gain programme, which provides funded skills solutions that enable eligible companies to equip their staff with the right skills to improve competitiveness and business performance.

Programme Leader John Walsh said: "Through the BIT programme we have seen numerous workplace improvements ranging from-small step changes to large quality, cost and delivery savings.

"BlT has also created opportunities for staff development, particularly those looking for progression from a shop floor role to team leader positions. On numerous occasions during the exit review on completion of the course, candidates have expressed a real desire to develop their skills further, having had experience of the NVQ.

"As with most companies, JLR are very keen to improve the bottom line. This I believe has been addressed throughout the NVQ programme, whilst JLR continues to improve its staff development."