One of the UK’s leading suppliers to the plumbing and heating sectors has committed to reducing the skills shortage by encouraging its staff to undergo training.
Inta, which manufactures anti-scald bathroom products, said about 20% of its staff is on some form of training at any one time – the highest number it has ever had on training.
As well as investing in technical apprentices, including HNCs in mechanical and general engineering, the Stafford-based company said it was keen to ensure staff across the whole of the business completed relevant training courses to help it stay ahead of its competitors.
Cynthia Fisher, the company director, said: “Senior management involvement in staff training and giving responsibility to junior members of the team were key to so many employees signing up for courses. In addition, the company has developed close links with nearby Stafford College and Burslem College, where many of Inta employees undertake a variety of training courses.
“By encouraging our employees to undergo training in their specialised fields, we’re not only ensuring that they have the right skills for the job, we’re also future-proofing the business.”
Inta’s warehousing team, which is the central to the success of the business’s day-to-day operations, has undertaken NVQs in Warehousing and Storage Level 2 and Performing Manufacturing Operations Level 2.
Two of the company’s accounts trainees are studying for professional AAT accounting qualifications, which includes weekly day release study at college, while its business operations manager completed a training course to become an ISO accredited auditor.
As well as formal training that attracts nationally recognised qualifications, Inta also uses training courses offered by Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce for staff in the sales administration and accounts departments.
Cynthia added: “Formalising training opportunities for every member of staff is helping to close the skills gap.
“The skills gap has long been a concern for businesses because they cannot find people with the skills they need to help them thrive on a local, national or even global stage. It’s crucial for us that we have teams who can adapt to innovation and new technology, whether that’s as in a technical or a professional role.
“This is why we’ve been actively working with our staff to give them the qualifications and skills they need to succeed. It demonstrates that we value our staff and want them to progress because we consider it an investment. It also helps us to retain staff numbers and attract new talent to the business.”
As well as training staff, Inta also provides work experience opportunities to students and has created a bespoke college pack, which it provides free of charge to City and Guilds accredited colleges across the country to use as training materials.