POVOAS Credit PTIC with Improving Plant Efficiency
A Northamptonshire packaging producer is reaping the benefits of training after putting staff through a Blown Film qualification.
Povoas Packaging (POVOAS), an independent blown film flexible packaging producer located in Desborough, Northants, has embarked on Phase 3 of its Blown Film NVQ Level 2 staff development scheme within their Extrusion Department.
Its staff are being trained through City of Wolverhampton College’s Polymer Training and Innovation Centre (PTIC), the UK’s newest training academy for the Polymer Industry, based in Telford.
Phase 1, which was completed in June 2009, involved eight candidates who successfully secured the full qualification. Phase 2, which has recently been completed, involved 11 candidates registered across all four production shifts. Phase 3 candidates will shortly be receiving their initial training through PTIC, followed by an in-company assessment.
All of the activity was funded using Government funding through the Train to Gain scheme. It is POVOAS’ intention to eventually have all of their blown film operators qualified to at least NVQ Level 2.
Richard Parr, Site Manager at POVOAS, has seen many benefits as a result of the increased knowledge gained through the NVQ project.
He said: “It has given the workforce more confidence in their own abilities and they are now better able to take ownership of their daily tasks. General health and safety and plant efficiency levels have never been higher.”
Graham Pickwell, the PTIC NVQ Assessor who has coordinated activity through all three phases has received full commitment and support from the whole management team at POVOAS.
He said: “There have been challenges along the way, such as language barriers and the need for day-to-day production to be disrupted as little as possible but PTIC’s flexible approach to the training and assessment processes has meant that these obstacles can always be overcome.”
For more information about the new Polymer Training and Innovation Centre please contact Charmaine on 01952 610101.