Work to improve skills in the Tees Valley

Nov 13 2007 by Karen McLauchlan, Evening Gazette

EXAMPLES of work under way to improve skills in the Tees Valley were demonstrated at the breakfast event.

Joanna Stokes of Middlesbrough College said there needed to be a collaboration between employers, employees and training providers to ensure success stories.

She added staff needed to feel confident about updating or improving their skills and possible career progression.

“Those businesses that collaborate with employers, employees and training providers, showing staff what’s out there and allowing the training provider to come in are the success stories.” she said.

“Majestic Bingo is a perfect example of a collaborative approach allowing access on three levels.”

Majestic allowed staff to participate in a Skills for Life (Adult Literacy and Numeracy) at work programme with Middlesbrough College.

The company now has employees who, having left school with very few qualifications, are going on to achieve NVQ level 2 qualifications in Customer Service, and even consider further education opportunities.

Andrew Jones, general manager of Majestic Bingo, said: “We are very aware of the benefits of skills for life.

“We like staff to gain as many skills as possible to move on and better themselves.

“There are only so many career opportunities and we do tend to attract employees who have very basic skills, but we get so many people through that just need a break and the skills employers can offer.”